'Toxic environment' and favouritism plague RCMP watchdog, review finds

National Post

3 days ago

An independent assessment of the RCMP watchdog, prompted by an anonymous email from employees, uncovered concerns about favouritism, a lack of transparency, heavy workloads and 'a toxic environment.'
Article content
The workplace assessment of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP found 'a clear call for change and action at the leadership level to restore credibility and trust within the organization.'
Article content
Article content
The Canadian Press recently obtained a copy of the May 2024 assessment, almost six months after filing an Access to Information request with Public Safety Canada, which ordered the report.
Article content
Article content
The Ottawa-based review commission is an independent agency created by Parliament to ensure public complaints about the conduct of RCMP members are examined fairly and impartially.
Article content
In a June 2024 note to Public Safety summarizing his findings, Neron said the anonymous email had alleged the review commission was in total disarray because of a lack of leadership from the commission chairperson.
Article content
Michelaine Lahaie was serving in the role at that time.
Article content
Neron's summary, heavily redacted before release under the access law, rejected the pointed allegation against the chairperson — a conclusion he reached after interviewing commission employees, including Lahaie, and circulating a detailed questionnaire to staff.
Article content
Article content
Neron found employees generally felt engaged with their work and that most believed leadership treated them fairly and provided constructive feedback.
Article content
Article content
The report says a significant number felt overwhelmed by their workloads, causing stress and making them less satisfied with their jobs.
Article content
It cites a 'notable communication gap' between the leadership and staff, with many employees saying organizational messaging was too infrequent and lacked clarity and consistency.
Article content
The report says feedback from employees on methods of resolving conflict was mixed, 'with a distinct portion of the workforce feeling unsupported.'
Article content
There were also multiple complaints of 'a toxic work environment' due to the behaviour and practices of leadership.
Article content
'The staff expresses a strong desire to address and resolve this toxic environment,' the report says. 'They seek an anonymous reporting system to report workplace misconduct, especially involving senior managers.'