Statement by the Minister of Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness in response to the 2017 Spring Report of the Auditor General of Canada

OTTAWA, May 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Following the tabling of the 2017 Spring Report of the Auditor General of Canada, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness issued the following statement:

"On behalf of my portfolio, I wish to thank the Auditor General for the work of his office. I welcome his recommendations to improve the management of customs import duties by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); to strengthen the monitoring of controls that prevent and detect corruption at our borders; and to ensure Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) employees have effective mental health support.

Both agencies have agreed with all the Auditor General's recommendations and have plans in place to address them.

The CBSA has already bolstered enforcement for supply managed goods, and is reviewing its processes for customs duties. The CBSA will also continue to enhance the monitoring of its risk controls for corruption to ensure they are working as expected. I am pleased that no evidence of corruption was found during the audit.

I take the issue of mental health for all employees in my portfolio very seriously. Yesterday, I reiterated my strong commitment to ensure the RCMP is a healthy workplace, free from harassment and sexual violence. RCMP employees and members must have appropriate access to the resources and services they need for their mental health and well-being. The RCMP has already taken steps to address some of the Auditor General's recommendations, including by launching a new disability management and accommodation program. The RCMP has also committed to identifying resource requirements for its mental health strategy, strengthening measurement and accountability for mental health, and providing better tools and training to management and employees. In addition, the federal government is working on a coordinated national strategy on Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI), which disproportionately affects public safety officers.

I will work with my portfolio agencies as they continue to implement changes and help ensure the well-being and safety of Canadians."

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, [phone]

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