Former chairman of the Ontario Securities Commission, David Brown, has been tapped to lead an independent investigation into allegations relating to the RCMP’s pension and insurance plans.

Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, today announced that Brown, now counsel with the firm Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, and former head of the OSC, will head the investigation in to allegations involving the RCMP pension and insurance plans made by a number of witnesses who appeared before the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee on March 28.

Brown’s final report is to be submitted to Day and the president of the Treasury Board by June 15. Brown will report on the factual findings of his investigation, and provide a recommendation as to whether or not a more formal inquiry is necessary.

Brown will undertake a review of the allegations that have been made relating to the RCMP’s handling of reports of mismanagement or irregularities in the administration of the RCMP’s pension and insurance plan. Specifically, he will examine: whether the RCMP’s assessment of the allegations was conducted in an appropriate and timely manner; whether the members and employees involved in the reporting or reviewing of mismanagement were treated fairly and in accordance with RCMP procedures and practices; whether management responded appropriately and in a timely manner to mistakes or inappropriate conduct by members and employees; and, whether management responded to findings of mismanagement or non-compliance in a timely and effective manner.

“The RCMP is an important institution for Canada and Canadians,” said Brown. “I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to investigate these allegations and to report back to the government.”

“Public confidence in Canada’s national institutions is of critical importance to this Government,” said Day. “Today, we are pleased to be moving forward quickly on this issue by appointing Mr. Brown, who will help us get answers into allegations surrounding the RCMP pension and insurance plans. Canadians, and members of the RCMP, deserve nothing less.”