Info Source - Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information

Table of Contents

Introduction to Info Source

Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information provides information about the functions, programs, activities and related information holdings of government institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. It provides individuals and employees of the government (current and former) with relevant information to access personal information about themselves held by government institutions subject to the Privacy Act and to exercise their rights under the Privacy Act.

The Introduction and an index of institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act are available centrally.

The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act assign overall responsibility to the President of Treasury Board (as the designated Minister) for the government-wide administration of the legislation.

General Information

Information resources of business value are classified under three groups, Administrative, Operational and Employee. Administrative information resources are day-to-day administrative functions and activities of the organization including those that identify methods and procedures governing how the organization manages programs and services. They are divided into six sub-classifications. These are further categorized into sub-topics, which are standard throughout the RCMP. Information resources are retained in accordance with the subject content based on a central file classification structure, rather than function or activity. Operational information resources pertain to the enforcement of the law in the detection, prevention, or suppression of crime generally, as well as the administration of individuals who have been involved in investigations under the Criminal Code, federal and provincial statutes, municipal bylaws and territorial ordinances. This also includes the management of RCMP intelligence. Employee information resources provide the history of the employee's career. The volume of information will vary from location to location, however retention periods are standardized. This structure is centrally regulated and this enables the RCMP to describe its information holdings in the three distinct categories. Requesters need only describe the information they wish to access. If the request pertains to a specific incident, the location of that incident is also required

Background

In May 1873, the Parliament of Canada established a central police force out of a need for a national police force to implement the law in Canada's newly acquired western territories. The new police force gradually acquired the name North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). In 1904, King Edward VII granted the Force the prefix 'Royal' in recognition of its many services to Canada and the Empire. In 1919, Parliament voted to merge the Force with the Dominion Police, a federal police force with jurisdiction in eastern Canada. When the legislation took effect on February 1, 1920, the name became the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The RCMP Federal mandate is drawn from the authority and responsibility assigned under Section 18 of the RCMP Act. The RCMP is headed by the Commissioner of the RCMP, who reports to parliament via the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

The RCMP/GRC wording is specifically protected under the Trade-marks Act.

Responsibilities

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) enforces laws throughout Canada made by or under the authority of Parliament. The RCMP Federal mandate, drawn from the authority and responsibility assigned under Section 18 of the RCMP Act, is multi-faceted; it includes preventing and investigating crime; maintaining peace and order; enforcing laws; contributing to national security; ensuring the safety of visiting state officials and dignitaries; ensuring safety of foreign missions; providing vital operational support services to other police and law enforcement agencies within Canada and abroad.The administration of justice within the provinces and the territories, including enforcement of the Criminal Code, is the responsibility of provincial and territorial governments; the RCMP has contract agreements with the three territories and all provinces except Ontario and Quebec, to enforce criminal, territorial, and provincial laws, pursuant to section 20 of the RCMP Act.

Institutional Functions, Programs and Activities

Police Operations

Under the authority of the RCMP Act, this Program provides Canadians with policing services at the federal, provincial and municipal levels and within Aboriginal communities. This program contributes to safe homes and communities by providing general law enforcement activities in addition to education and awareness activities delivered by employees of the RCMP to the public, businesses and other agencies/organizations within Canada. The RCMP's education and awareness activities, for example information sessions on financial crime, drugs and organized crime, are aimed at reducing victimization of Canadians. Additionally, this program ensures the protection of designated persons and security at major events which in turn mitigates any potential threats to Canada's population. The program also delivers a high level of technical and operational support to ensure that the RCMP reaches its overarching goal of reducing criminal activity which affects Canadians.

Policing Services under Contract

Provides provincial/territorial policing services, as negotiated under the terms of the Provincial Police Services Agreement, as well as s municipal policing services as negotiated under the terms of the Municipal Police Services Agreement (MPSA) or through Community Tripartite Agreements (CTAs). Funding provided though cost-sharing between federal, provincial and municipal governments, with share percentages based on population and/or time of entry into the contract. Canadians benefit from the maintenance of a large pool of highly-trained RCMP members who are available for redeployment from coast to coast for national and international events and incidents.

Federal Policing

Provides federal policing services for Canadians, and provides for the safety and security of Canada and its institutions (domestically and globally), as well as safety and security internationally protected persons and other foreign dignitaries visiting Canada.

Technical Services and Operational Support

Established for the delivery of technical capability, scientific policing methodologies, and specialized investigative expertise and direction essential to all RCMP operations.

Canadian Law Enforcement Services

The Canadian Law Enforcement Services provide the Canadian Law Enforcement community with the necessary scientific, technical, investigative and educational support to deliver proactive, intelligence based policing and law enforcement services to their respective communities and partners. Additionally, this program provides educational opportunities to members of the Canadian Law Enforcement community to enable them to develop their skills thus increasing their effectiveness in contributing to a safer Canada. This program is necessary to ensure that Canadian law enforcement communities have access to the required tools, systems, technologies (i.e. forensic support and expertise, criminal intelligence and firearms registry and databases, etc) and education which in turn will contribute to the reduction of criminal activity affecting Canadians

Scientific, Technical and Investigative Support

Provides to the contribution of safe homes and safe communities for Canadians through forensic analysis of criminal evidence, criminal records information, technological support and identification services and other direct support of policing operations.

Canadian Firearms Program

Enhances public safety by providing police and other law enforcement organizations with operational and technical support vital to the prevention and investigation of firearms crime both in Canada and internationally. Its goal is to reduce firearms-related death and injury in Canadian communities by regulating and promoting responsible ownership, use and storage of all firearms in Canada.

Advanced Police Training

Provides training to the Canadian Law Enforcement community in an effort to increase the knowledge base thus contributing to increased efficiency of Canadian Law Enforcement agencies/departments.

International Operations

To further Canada's global peace agenda through cooperation and support of the international law-enforcement community, thereby ensuring that both Canadians and the global community are safer. This program is necessary as it addresses the transnational scope of crime and terrorism through building relationships with the international policing partners, participating in the INTEPOL global information sharing network and conducting extra-territorial criminal investigations. Additionally, the RCMP actively participates in multiple missions abroad in a peacekeeping role and by providing support to nations at risk in building their law enforcement capacity. Through this international cooperation and collaboration, this program contributes directly to a more secure world and Canada.

International Stability and Development

Provides direct support to those global communities who are in need of assistance from the international community. This includes delivery of training, sharing of expertise and best practices, and provision of resources for peace support operations. This program directly benefits those countries which are currently in situation which put them at risk. Supporting these countries benefits Canadians by contributing to global stability and peace.

International Cooperation

Ensures that Canadians law enforcement interests and values are represented abroad and that foreign law enforcement is well served in Canada. It promotes harmony and multilateral relationships amongst law enforcement agencies to better enable law enforcement, safety and security in Canada and globally.

Canadian Police Culture and Heritage

Promotes Canada, the RCMP, its communities and partners by delivering its ceremonial services to all Canadians as well as the international community. Ceremonial Support activities are delivered by the Musical Ride who tour Canada and abroad four to six months each year showcasing Canada's proud heritage and culture. This Program responds to both domestic and international requests for historical information about the RCMP. Additionally, the RCMP supports and develops government partners by providing RCMP members in Ceremonial dress at Special events (ex. Olympics, Expos, Summits) both domestically and internationally. Through the activities of this program, the RCMP contributes to Canada's vibrant culture and heritage.

Statutory Payments

This Program ensures that RCMP employees and their families are provided income security in the event of disability or death. This program is necessary to ensure that an appropriate level of support is afforded to those who are affected by circumstances beyond their control and as a result of their employment with the RCMP. The activities within this program are regulated by statutory payments, for example, the RCMP Pension Continuation Act payments.

Compensation to Members Injured on Duty

Provides both financial and health care assistance to members of the RCMP who die or suffer a permanent work related illness or injury leading to a loss of quality of life. It significantly contributes to the higher level expected results of the organization's mandate in that it protects members of the organization in a real way in the event they become disabled as a result of carrying out the duties and activities associated with endeavoring to provide safe homes and safe communities for Canadians.

Survivor Income Plan

Designed to maintain the net income of the survivors of a member of the RCMP whose death arose out of or was directly connected with service at the same level of net income as though the member was still alive. Entitlement of benefits begins the first day of the month following the member's death. The benefits payable are determined based on the number of eligible survivors the member had at the time of death.

RCMP Pension Continuation Act Payments

Provides for the payment of pensions to Officers, Non-Commissioned officers and Constables engaged prior to March 1, 1949 except for those who elected to come under the RCMP Superannuation Act. The PCA is a defined benefit pension plan whose purpose is to provide a lifetime benefit for RCMP members and their survivors. The PCA is the predecessor to this Act. The PCA currently does not have any contributors, consequently once the plan has met all its existing pensioner obligations, the plan will most likely be wound up.

Internal Services

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Materiel Services; Acquisition Services; and Travel and Other Administrative Services. Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

Acquisitions Services

Acquisition Services involve activities undertaken to acquire a good or service to fulfil a properly completed request (including a complete and accurate definition of requirements and certification that funds are available) until entering into or amending a contract.

Communications Services

Communications Services involve activities undertaken to ensure that Government of Canada communications are effectively managed, well coordinated and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. The communications management function ensures that the public – internal or external – receives government information, and that the views and concerns of the public are taken into account in the planning, management and evaluation of policies, programs, services and initiatives.

Financial Management Services

Financial Management Services involve activities undertaken to ensure the prudent use of public resources, including planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, control and oversight, analysis, decision support and advice, and financial systems.

Human Resources Management Services

Human Resources Management Services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, allocating resources among services and processes, as well as activities relating to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and/or plans.

Information Management Services

Information Management Services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective information management to support program and service delivery; foster informed decision making; facilitate accountability, transparency, and collaboration; and preserve and ensure access to information and records for the benefit of present and future generations.

Information Technology Services

Information Technology Services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective use of information technology to support government priorities and program delivery, to increase productivity, and to enhance services to the public.

Legal services

Legal services involve activities undertaken to enable government departments and agencies to pursue policy, program and service delivery priorities and objectives within a legally sound framework.

Management and Oversight Services

Management and Oversight Services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, and allocating resources among services and processes, as well as those activities related to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and/or plans.

Materiel Services

Materiel Services involve activities undertaken to ensure that materiel can be managed by departments in a sustainable and financially responsible manner that supports the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

Real Property Services

Real Property Services involve activities undertaken to ensure real property is managed in a sustainable and financially responsible manner, throughout its life cycle, to support the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

Travel and Other Administrative Services

Travel and Other Administrative Services include Government of Canada (GC) travel services, as well as those other internal services that do not smoothly fit with any of the internal services categories.

Legend

Standard Classes of Records (CoRs)
Standard Personal Information Banks (PIBs)

Manuals

  • Administration Manual
  • Career Management
  • CPIC Reference Manual
  • Financial Management
  • Firearms Training
  • Forensic Identification
  • Health Services
  • Informatics
  • Laboratory Services
  • Operational Manual
  • Pay Procedures
  • Property Management
  • Protective Policing
  • Tactical Operations
  • Training
  • Uniform and Dress

Additional Information

Please see the Introduction to this publication for information on access procedures under the provisions of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

Should you wish to obtain information on how to file a request, summaries of completed Access to Information requests and executive summaries of Privacy Impact Assessment, please visit our website at http://www.rcmp.gc.ca/en/access-information-and-privacy

Should you wish to view a list of completed Access to Information (ATI) summaries, please visit the following website: http://open.canada.ca/en/search/ati

For additional information about the programs and activities of the RCMP, please contact:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Access to Information and Privacy Branch
RCMP MAILSTOP #61
73 Leikin Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R2

Reading Room

In accordance with the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, an area on the premises will be made available should the applicant wish to review materials on site. The address is:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Access to Information and Privacy Branch
RCMP MAILSTOP #61
73 Leikin Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R2

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