RCMP head backs government probe of pension scandal

The RCMP's commissioner said Thursday she "wholeheartedly" supports the Tory government's plan to appoint an independent investigator to probe allegations of fraud and abuse in the management of the Mounties' pension and insurance plans.

Beverly Busson made the comments after Public Safety Minister Stockwell Dayannounced details about the mandate of the investigator, who has not yet been named.

Day said the investigator will report to the government within eight to 12 weeks.His or herfindings will then be made public. The investigator will also have access to all pertinent records and be able to use the services of any experts, including forensic auditors, Day said.

"I wholeheartedly support this step," Busson said.

She said it's clear that irregularities did occur, but that they have since been corrected.

ButBusson said shewants toexamine the allegations of "coverup and punitive treatment" involving the senior ranks ofthe RCMP.

"This new information is serious, andI'mdetermined to get to the bottom of this as quickly and transparently as possible," she said.

Days wants info 'immediately'

Members of the public accounts committee had been calling for a public inquiry, a dayafter hearing from several serving and retired RCMP officers, whoattacked the RCMPleadership over the handling of fraud and abuse allegations involving the pension and insurance plans in 2002.

But Day said an official public inquiry would take too long and he wants information "immediately." He added that he was "extremely concerned" about the allegations.

"Today we're taking action to launch an independent investigation to determine once and for all what happened."

During question period Thursday, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion demanded that Prime Minister Stephen Harper call a full public inquiry, and allow the public accounts committee to continue its work unfettered while "one of Canada's most loved and respected institutions is in crisis."

"This government should rise to the occasion for once," Dion said.

Harper called the allegations of the officers "shocking and quite disturbing," but said they dealt with events during the tenure of the previous Liberal government.

"I hope the Liberal leader and his colleagues will co-operate fully with the investigation," the prime minister said. "We want answers immediately."

NDP Leader Jack Layton said the accusations struck a serious blow to the integrity of the Mounties and asked Harper not to step into partisan accusations.

"We've got a serious problem," Layton said. "Will the prime minister work to ensure all the evidence comes to light in public to restore the trust in our beloved RCMP?"