Fewer than half of Canadians said they consider the RCMP accountable, according to Blacklock’s Reporter. .“Overall attitudes towards the RCMP have improved somewhat over the past year but are down from previous years,” said the RCMP in an in-house research project. .The RCMP found 29% of Canadians rate it as dishonest, adding 28% thought it treats them with disrespect. .When asked if they agree or disagree the RCMP is an accountable organization, 46% agreed. One-third disagreed and one-fifth had no opinion. .The RCMP’s accountability rating dropped almost 20 points from pre-pandemic levels, falling from 65% to 46%. .The poll was from April — one month following former RCMP commissioner Brenda Lucki’s resignation. Earlier in-house research found fewer than half of Canadians considered her to be effective. .“While Canadians have a high degree of confidence in the RCMP in general, they award lower marks when it comes to the calibre of its leadership,” said the RCMP. .Asked if they agree the RCMP has effective national leaders, 48% agreed. Another 19% disagreed and one-third had no opinion. .The poll did not identify Lucki by name. Asked for their reaction to the statement the RCMP is an open, transparent organization, 63% disagreed or had no opinion. .Low approval ratings for Lucki followed a string of developments including a $1.1 billion class action lawsuit over alleged harassment of members, a public inquiry into RCMP misconduct in a Nova Scotia shooting rampage which left 22 people dead, and police enforcement of a bank account freeze targeting Freedom Convoy supporters. .Lucki announced in February she would be retiring from the job in March. .READ MORE: RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki to retire.“This was not an easy decision, as I love the RCMP and have loved being the 24th commissioner,” said Lucki. .“I am so incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to lead this historic organization and witness first hand the tremendous work being done each and every day by all employees from coast to coast to coast and internationally.”.Findings were drawn from questionnaires with 3,227 people nationwide. The RCMP paid Ekos Research Associates $92,501 for the poll.
