Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, issued this statement in response to the release of the interim report of the Chair-Initiated Complaint and Public Interest Investigation into the RCMP’s Response to the 2013 Flood in High River, Alberta:
“The 2013 flooding in High River and area was an unprecedented disaster for Alberta. We owe our thanks to first responders for risking their lives to help save lives and property in the midst of changing and dangerous circumstances.
“Law enforcement personnel went above and beyond in the hours and days after the flooding began. Some concerns were raised about the RCMP entering homes and seizing guns. I shared several of these concerns, and I wrote to the Deputy Commissioner of the RCMP “K” Division on June 27, 2013.
“The investigation into these and other related concerns resulted in many findings and recommendations in the interim report of the independent Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP. I believe the findings and recommendations are fair, and I urge the Commissioner of the RCMP to accept them and the RCMP “K” Division to adopt them.
“It is not appropriate for the government to interfere in the operations of police, and I note the report did not identify any interference or direction on the part of the Alberta government relating to the RCMP’s decision to seize guns. Alberta continues to defend safe and responsible gun ownership.
“I thank the RCMP for their assistance during the floods, including for their key role in locating at least 38 people who needed help.”