ERC Update on Backlog

Following modifications made to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act in 2014, the number of cases to be reviewed by the ERC grew significantly which led to delays in the ERC’s review of grievances and appeals. In order to reduce the growing backlog of cases, the ERC had to review its processes and establish the following strategies:

• The ERC has obtained additional permanent funding in the summer of 2020 that permitted the organization to increase its legal team, which enables it to address files more expeditiously.
• The ERC established a pre-screening process where files are reviewed upon arrival to ascertain whether there is missing documentation or unresolved preliminary issues that could delay the review of the case.
• The ERC introduced a prioritization system to manage the increase of incoming appeal files. The ERC prioritizes files based on the severity of the decision being reviewed as well as the length of time the file has been active. For example, cases where a member is facing discharge or is discharged from the RCMP are prioritized over cases with less severe outcomes.
• The ERC has also compiled a list of older files that are being dealt with on a priority basis.

Reduction of the backlog of cases is paramount to ensure that the ERC can provide Findings and Recommendations in a timely manner and ensure fairness for the parties involved. Other processes are being assessed and introduced to reduce the backlog of cases.