First Nations leaders and civil liberties advocates express worry as the RCMP’s federal review agency delays the release of an investigation on protest policing in British Columbia due to the snap election call. The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) explained that they want to avoid any perception of interference during the election period and ensure that their report on the Community-Industry Response Group (C-IRG) receives proper consideration.
However, one First Nations leader dismissed this explanation, emphasizing the significant implications of the report and insisting it should be released promptly, regardless of the election. Terry Teegee, regional chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, stated that many affected individuals are disappointed and see no valid reasons for the delay.
Originally scheduled for release on Wednesday, the CRCC’s three-year probe into C-IRG, a unit established in 2017 to manage protests against major resource projects like the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, was postponed after the B.C. NDP leader called for an early election. The CRCC cited caretaker conventions during the election, limiting the provincial government’s ability to address or respond to such matters.
The investigation into C-IRG began in 2023 following over 500 formal complaints about their actions during protests at Wet’suwet’en territory and Fairy Creek. Teegee stressed the urgency of the findings, particularly in light of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s focus on economic growth through infrastructure projects.
Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Na’Moks voiced similar concerns, highlighting the harms caused by the delay and expressing skepticism about potential changes. The B.C. Civil Liberties Association also criticized the postponement, noting that the report’s release was already delayed due to a vacant decision-maker position at the CRCC.
Various legal actions have been taken against C-IRG, including lawsuits and apologies for rights violations, indicating ongoing challenges in holding the unit accountable. Despite calls for a pause in operations during the review, C-IRG, now known as the Critical Response Unit (CRU-BC), continues to function. Na’Moks raised doubts about the effectiveness of the CRCC’s recommendations without robust implementation by the RCMP.