Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, announced that the Honourable Brent Cotter has been appointed as the interim Chairperson of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) for a term of six months effective April 15, 2026. In addition, Roxanne M. Gagné has been appointed the Vice-Chairperson for a term of five years, effective April 20, 2026.
The Honourable Brent Cotter's extensive experience in law and ethics, particularly in matters involving public complaints against police officers, will be a significant asset to the CRCC and will help strengthen public trust and organizational accountability within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Roxanne M. Gagné also brings a wealth of relevant experience, having served as the Director of Manitoba's Independent Investigations Unit, a civilian oversight agency responsible for investigating incidents involving police and members of the public.
Public trust is fundamental to the RCMP's work. As an independent review body, the CRCC plays a critical role in holding the RCMP accountable for the behaviour of its employees, and for ensuring that public complaints about the RCMP members are reviewed impartially, fairly, and transparently. This role also includes explaining the outcomes of its reviews to the public, including the many cases-representing the majority-where RCMP members are found to have acted appropriately, as well as those where improvements or corrective actions are identified.
The appointment of a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson will provide leadership support in overseeing the transition of the CRCC into the Public Complaints and Review Commission (PCRC), a new review body responsible for handling complaints and conducting reviews related to both the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), once the PCRC Act comes into force.
