Yes, that is correct, Mr. Chairman. As I understand it, the RCMP in essence is similar to a military organization. There is a chain of command, and there is an independence that would work against a Minister of this government, at any rate, providing day to day direction to the RCMP. But we do have some considerable influence; we set overall goals and priorities, and through my departmental officials and occasional meetings I have with the chief superintendent, we do have a good working relationship. But they do operate in a quasi independent way as a military organization, the same as we might do in an emergency if we called in the army to deal with a situation. They would not take kindly to being told how to do their job. They do it as a military organization with their own reporting relationships within the force.
Dennis Patterson on Bill 25, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 1991-92
In the Legislative Assembly on March 30th, 1992. See this statement in context.
Bill 25, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 1991-92
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 29th, 1992
Page 519
Dennis Patterson Iqaluit
See context to find out what was said next.