Canadians will be able to turn to a new independent body to complain about the services provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), after demands for stricter control.

The Review and Complaints Commission, proposed by Bill C-20, would thus replace the commission that was already in effect, but only for the RCMP.

"This means there was no possibility of independent investigations or review of public complaints about the CBSA," Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino said Thursday at a press briefing.

This initiative builds on Bills C-98 and C-3 proposed in 2019 and 2020, but which ultimately never saw the light of day.

Ottawa plans to provide more than $112 million over five years and then provide regular annual funding.

The establishment of a separate law would therefore allow more transparency on the part of the two organizations, since the Commission will not be established on the laws of the RCMP or the CBSA.

"It aims to strengthen public confidence in these important institutions and to assure Canadians that they can expect consistent, fair and equitable treatment when dealing with these two organizations," supported Mr. Mendicino.

Annual reports will be requested from both organizations and will for the first time provide the Department of Public Safety with race-related data collection, “to increase knowledge about systemic racism”.

The Serious Occurrence Legislative Framework would also replace internal CBSA policies, requiring it to conduct internal investigations and notify the commission and the police. The commission will also have to send an observer to monitor these investigations.

"I am very pleased with the presentation of this Bill C-20, civilian review is an important aspect of maintaining public confidence in law enforcement in Canada," responded Michelaine Lahaie, Chair of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP.