Photo: On March 22, 2023, PBI-Canada hand-delivered to the CRCC office in Ottawa this letter from the Abolish C-IRG coalition calling for the suspension of the C-IRG during the CRCC systemic investigation.
PBI-Canada has been monitoring the “systemic investigation” of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Community-Industry Response Group (C-IRG) since the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC), a federal watchdog agency, launched their review on March 9, 2023.
Background
That investigation was launched after the CRCC received nearly 500 formal complaints about the RCMP C-IRG.
As CBC journalist Brett Forester has previously reported: “More than 100 grievances accepted for investigation contain allegations of excessive force, illegal tactics, unprofessional behaviour, racism, discrimination and charter violations by the force’s Community-Industry Response Group (C-IRG).”
“Final stages” of investigation
In an emailed response received on January 23, 2026, the CRCC tells PBI-Canada: “The CRCC’s systemic investigation is in its final stages; however, it cannot be finalized in the absence of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or Members.”
“Absence of a Chair”
On October 30, 2025, CBC News journalist Catharine Tunney reported: “The watchdog body meant to investigate Mounties’ conduct has been without a chairperson for months [since January 2025], stalling investigations and weakening transparency about how the country’s police force interacts with Canadians across the country.”
That article further noted: “While teams of investigators and lawyers are still working, a spokesperson for the CRCC said the review body is unable to issue any decisions in the absence of a chair or other senior decision-makers.”
The CRCC has confirmed with us that as of January 1, 2026, a new Chairperson has not been appointed. They also confirmed that there is no indication at this point as to when a new Chairperson will be appointed.
And the CRCC tells us: “A Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or Members of the CRCC must sign such reports.”
In a subsequent email from the CRCC to PBI-Canada, we were told: “Under the RCMP Act, the CRCC can consist of a Chairperson and not more than four other Members, one of whom may be a Vice-chairperson, appointed by the Governor in Council. The Chairperson may delegate authorities to the Vice-chairperson or, in the absence of a Vice-chairperson, a Member. All these positions are currently vacant.”
It might be further noted that the Canadian Press has previously reported: “The [Carney government] budget [tabled on Tuesday November 4, 2025] does not say whether Ottawa will fill vacant positions such as the climate change ambassador, the envoy for women, peace and security, and the ombudsperson responsible for investigating reports of forced labour abroad [CORE].” This might suggest that there is a pattern of other key positions that have been left vacant.
Investigation Update anticipated in March 2026
The CRCC released its first and only Investigation Update into the systemic investigation on November 23, 2023.
At that time, they noted: “The CRCC is reviewing materials and records received from the RCMP, including policies and training. Interviews with RCMP program areas have begun. The investigation is progressing, though significant delays in receiving the relevant materials from the RCMP continue. The CRCC has received little information or records from the RCMP “E” Division since July 2023, despite regular follow-ups and requests for updates.”
The CRCC now tells PBI-Canada: “We anticipate providing an update on the status of the systemic investigation in March.”
We continue to follow this.
