RCMP Prime Minister Protective Detail
Classification: Unclassified
Branch/Agency: RCMP
Proposed Response:
- The RCMP's Prime Minister’s Protective Detail is mandated to provide 24/7 security to the Prime Minister and his family at all times, both domestically and abroad.
- Security costs are variable, and dependent on factors that fall outside the RCMP's control. These factors include the nature of the domestic and international threat environment, the type of activity/event, the volume and nature of political obligations, and the logistical requirements associated with locations, including economic factors related to the cost for travel, accommodations and fuel.
- To protect the integrity of its operations, the RCMP does not disclose any information that could compromise its security posture.
If pressed on criticism of RCMP not investigating Aga Khan Vacation:
- The RCMP’s mandate to investigate criminal offences is managed independently from its mandate to provide protective services to designated officials.
- The RCMP is aware of the perception of bias associated with its dual mandates of protecting Canadian dignitaries as well as its investigative mandate with respect to politically-sensitive matters.
- In this particular case, the RCMP determined that it could not productively pursue a criminal investigation.
Background:
The Prime Minister’s Protective Detail (PMPD) is responsible for providing 24-hour protection and ensuring the security of the Prime Minister and immediate family members while in Canada or when travelling overseas, as well as the protection of official residences. Security measures implemented are commensurate with the high-profile position held by the Prime Minister as the Head of Government. The RCMP, via robust and collaborative threat and risk assessment processes, continuously assesses the threat environment and adjusts its PMPD security posture accordingly.
The Prime Minister took full responsibility for the findings made by the Ethics Commissioner that he was in violation of the Conflict of Interest Act by vacationing at the Aga Khan’s private island in the Bahamas in December 2016, and has committed to clearing all future personal and family travel in advance. The Commissioner’s report stated that costs incurred were within the functions of the Prime Minister. All expenses were incurred by RCMP personnel; providing details on costs could expose security details about the number of personnel assigned to protect the Prime Minister and his family. The RCMP has confirmed that it is in compliance with the Directive on Accounting Standards: GC 4300 Non-Monetary Transactions and is not required to disclose these costs as part of its public accounts. The RCMP considers this matter to be closed.
With respect to outstanding expenses related to the Prime Minister’s December 2016 vacation, the RCMP paid the balance by issuing a cheque “in trust” to the legal counsel representing Bell Island. The cheque was issued on January 17, 2020.
Contacts:
Prepared by: Sean McGillis, Executive Director, Federal Policing Strategic Direction, RCMP, 613-843-6866
Approved by: Mike Duheme, Deputy Commissioner Federal Policing, RCMP, 613-843-6866
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