OTTAWA—The Conservative government dismissed questions about new RCMP orders, saying it is “standard procedure” to require federal agencies to vet all public statements with their political bosses.
Instead, the government challenged the integrity of the NDP in the Commons, saying the questions amounted to a “drive-by smear” of the Mounties.
As the Star reported Sunday, a new communications protocol requires the national police force to flag to Public Safety Canada officials anything that might “garner national media attention,” and to get “feedback” and approval before making any public statements.
It specifies that everything from news releases to background information or “media lines and talking points” for spokespersons and senior RCMP members must be vetted.
The NDP slammed the move, saying it amounts to political interference, and called for the protocol to be scrapped.
“Why the gag order?” asked NDP public safety critic Jasbir Sandhu (Surrey North). “This will interfere with the independence of the RCMP and its ability to comment on anything the minister thinks is controversial.”
The parliamentary secretary for public safety, Tory MP Candice Hoeppner, said “co-operation between departments and agencies is standard procedure and practice. This another sad attempt by the NDP to have a drive-by smear of the Canadian RCMP and it is a shame. It shows the NDP is not fit to govern.”
The Hill Times newspaper reported Monday that the federal Conservatives have expanded the communications infrastructure across government, pointing to an electronic directory that lists about 1,500 communications staffers in government offices and departments, including 87 in the Prime Minister’s Office and Privy Council Office. It said the number is a “very rough estimate.”
The new RCMP-Public Safety “communications protocol” has been greeted with mixed reaction inside the force.
Some sources told the Star it is reason for concern and amounts to an effort to muzzle the RCMP. Others say they don’t see it as a major shift, as they have been assured it won’t affect police operations.
Signed Sept. 20 and effective immediately, the policy says the Mounties must consult and get approval for communications regarding non-operational matters “PRIOR (emphasis in original) to public use.” Any communications regarding operational matters are to be shared with the government “for information only” before release.
Origin
Source: Toronto Star
Instead, the government challenged the integrity of the NDP in the Commons, saying the questions amounted to a “drive-by smear” of the Mounties.
As the Star reported Sunday, a new communications protocol requires the national police force to flag to Public Safety Canada officials anything that might “garner national media attention,” and to get “feedback” and approval before making any public statements.
It specifies that everything from news releases to background information or “media lines and talking points” for spokespersons and senior RCMP members must be vetted.
The NDP slammed the move, saying it amounts to political interference, and called for the protocol to be scrapped.
“Why the gag order?” asked NDP public safety critic Jasbir Sandhu (Surrey North). “This will interfere with the independence of the RCMP and its ability to comment on anything the minister thinks is controversial.”
The parliamentary secretary for public safety, Tory MP Candice Hoeppner, said “co-operation between departments and agencies is standard procedure and practice. This another sad attempt by the NDP to have a drive-by smear of the Canadian RCMP and it is a shame. It shows the NDP is not fit to govern.”
The Hill Times newspaper reported Monday that the federal Conservatives have expanded the communications infrastructure across government, pointing to an electronic directory that lists about 1,500 communications staffers in government offices and departments, including 87 in the Prime Minister’s Office and Privy Council Office. It said the number is a “very rough estimate.”
The new RCMP-Public Safety “communications protocol” has been greeted with mixed reaction inside the force.
Some sources told the Star it is reason for concern and amounts to an effort to muzzle the RCMP. Others say they don’t see it as a major shift, as they have been assured it won’t affect police operations.
Signed Sept. 20 and effective immediately, the policy says the Mounties must consult and get approval for communications regarding non-operational matters “PRIOR (emphasis in original) to public use.” Any communications regarding operational matters are to be shared with the government “for information only” before release.
Origin
Source: Toronto Star
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