QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
June 9, 2026
Thank you. Senator Moreau, recently, a parliamentary association trip to Türkiye, in the midst of missiles in the region, was rightly assessed as high-risk.
As such, two RCMP protection officers were dispatched on the trip. However, senators on the trip were explicitly told, “We’re not here to protect you . . . only the MPs.”
Upon looking into this, I’ve learned that the RCMP Regulations spell out who is eligible to receive personal protection from the RCMP. The protection of MPs stems from a 1985 ministerial designation authorizing the RCMP to protect members of Parliament and their immediate families where risks or threats have been identified.
The RCMP has maintained that the designation is restricted to members of the House of Commons and not all members of Parliament, such as senators in this chamber.
What is the government’s rationale for this interpretation?
My understanding is that it is not an interpretation made by the government; it’s an interpretation made by the RCMP officers. My understanding is that whenever a rule, law or regulation refers to Parliament, it means both chambers, the House of Commons and the Senate. I was not aware of that interpretation by the RCMP. I will get back to you with an answer, but it seems to me that the minister obviously has to have a conversation with the RCMP to make sure that they understand the rules as we do.
Thank you, Senator Moreau. It sounds as if we’re in agreement. I certainly hope that the government is concerned with the safety and security of all members of Parliament from both chambers. I’m hoping the government would be open to addressing this inequity. It could be done through a change in the RCMP’s interpretation, so that the term “members of Parliament” includes all parliamentarians, or through a new ministerial designation to specifically address senators.
Will you report back to us your findings on this issue?
Not only will I report back to you on this issue, but I think we have an understanding here that “members of Parliament” means members of the House of Commons and senators as well.
