This morning I took the time to read Toward a Red Serge Revival, the "position paper" issued last Monday by Senator Colin Kenny (ON) and five of his colleagues.  Besides having followed the issue of RCMP reform for some time (see various articles archived under Police Tactics), I admit I was curious to see why the paper has attracted so much criticism from Senator Pamela Wallin (SK). 

Frankly, the paper seems pretty mainstream to me.   Its first three recommendations (for effective independent oversight of the Force) simply echo the words of David Brown, the government's own consultant whose advice was accepted by the Conservatives two years ago.  As to wearing mini-video cameras to enhance oversight capacity, the paper's fourth recommendation, the RCMP is already experimenting with them.  The paper then turns to the RCMP's recruitment program and its efforts to increase diversity.  It highlights the fact that its stated goals do not match its rhetoric.  Fair comment based on solid evidence.  Furthermore, Senator Kenny et al. clearly state "Neither women nor visible minorities should be recruited into the RCMP or promoted without evidence of merit – the same kind of evidence that must apply to all members of the RCMP." 

Recommendations nine through twelve urge the government to increase funding to allow the RCMP to hire up to 7,000 more police officers.  Again, the paper merely repeats what the government's own consultant is saying, and would seem to mesh well with a "tough on crime" agenda.  Next, the paper reiterates David Brown's call for post-secondary qualifications.  It then concludes by praising the appointment of the current Commissioner, William Elliott, advocating promotion from within the Force "when the process to replace him commences", and suggesting a modern leadership structure.

So, what's not to like here?  Senator Wallin appparently takes issue with recruiting women and minorities, for one thing, even though the RCMP has adopted diversity as one of its top priorities.   She opposes video cameras, saying education is better "because you want people not to engage in bad behaviour."  She thinks 1,500 extra mounties are enough, despite Canada's ranking third from the bottom compared to other OECD countries.  And she doesn't believe you can turn "a big bureaucracy" around within the two year time limit prescribed by David Brown.  Mind you, if the RCMP is nothing more than a bureaucracy, then we're all in trouble and might as well admit it.

Admittedly, the paper pulls no punches in its discussion of issues.  Perhaps that's the real cause for contention.  But if the Senate can't talk truth to power, who can?  All in all, I agree with Lorne Gunter who exclaimed, in the National Post, "I can't for the life of me figure out why Conservative Senators would refuse, before prorogation, to endorse [this] report."

It is a sad day for our democracy when a Senator is condemned for sharing his opinion.   If this is how a Senator is treated publically, imagine how a civil servant is treated in their cubical!

This sends one message to me and that is if you do not share the governments opinion, then you will be marked with the scarlet letter of public humiliation and all of your years of hard work, discredited.

I thought the beauty of a democracy was rather than trying to achieve unanimous consent; we sought resolution by weighing conflicting views and finding mutually agreeable resolutions…or am I living in a twilight zone?
 

Let's face it: the RCMP has had a very bad year.  Each month brings a fresh scandal.  Everyone should welcome steps for improvement.  We all love our Mounties, so steps to keep the institution proud and accountable can only be good for Canada.

No one -- not even Conservatives -- can say that the RCMP doesn't need reform.  So let's get on with the job,  please!  The hard working men and women of the RCMP, of which there are many, deserve no less.

I have to admit that I was a fan of Pamela Wallin before she became a Senator.  I didn't always agree with what she had to say, but I thought she did upstanding work with passion and committment and thoughtful dedication.

So I'm as surprised as anyone to see that she's become just another Haper lackey.  She seems to do his bidding on every front in the Senate. 

And what I don't understand about this is why she would bother to set aside a lifetime of (well earned) self respect, dignity and integrity to please Harper when she's a Senator who does not need to seek re-election or appointment -- in fact, she does not need his help or approval for anything.

Does she not yet realize that as a Senator she's a free woman who can do much good for Canadians?  That's the up-side of an appointed Senate.  She doesn't need to caucus and tow the party line if it is not in line with what is good for Canada.  What's the worst they could do to her -- not invite her to the next dinner party?

So I hope Senator Wallin wakes from her Harper hypnosis soon and stands proud for Canadians.  It may be the PMO who selected her, but her duty is to Canadians not Conservatives.