RCMP Commissioner Lucki Given Tips on Testifying at Parliamentary Committees: Internal Document

RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki testifies at the Mass Casualty Commission inquiry into the mass murders in rural Nova Scotia on April 18/19, 2020, in Halifax on Aug. 24, 2022. The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan

RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki was given advice on testifying at parliamentary hearings, including specific instructions for body language and sample answers for difficult questions, according to an internal document from the RCMP’s government affairs unit.

“It is not uncommon for committee members to become heated or even antagonistic in their questioning of a witness. Be conscious of your body language and facial expressions (stay neutral) and control your responses,” read the guide titled “Tips For Responding To Parliamentary Committee Questions,” obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter, who did not specify its date.

“Committee appearances can be stressful events,” it said, adding that committee dynamics change when a minority government is in power.

“It is not a predictable environment and the government has little control over how committees operate.”

The document also noted that committees operating under a minority government more often call on public servants to appear as witnesses.

“Individuals appearing before parliamentary committees will need to be particularly skillful,” the document told Lucki.

It also gave Lucki specific tips on how to conduct herself during the committee meetings, saying she must appear “self-confident and firm,“ and instructed her to be ”polite,“ ”respectful,“ and use a ”neutral tone” of voice.

“Use plain language and avoid using acronyms,” the guide said.

Lucki appeared before the public safety and national security committee this past summer as it looked into allegations that the federal government put pressure on the RCMP to release details about the weapons used in the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting.

Lucki has repeatedly denied allegations that she released details to the Liberal cabinet revealing what firearms were used in the shooting because of political pressure from the government, allegedly tied to forthcoming gun-control legislation at the time.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in June that the government exerted no “undue influence or pressure” on Lucki.

In its guide for Lucki, the RCMP government affairs unit said that committee members can sometimes surprise witnesses with questions “completely unrelated to the topic at hand.”

“If the question is hostile, position your statement and continue. Sample response: ‘Looking at it from a broader perspective I would suggest the statistical evidence supports the change in the program.’ Or simply shut down the question with ‘I appreciate your point of view’ and move on,” the guide instructed.

“If a parliamentarian launches a personal attack, shut down the issue quickly in a self-confident and firm way then get right back on topic. Sample response: ‘I’m not sure what the member would like to know Mr. Chair (smile and pause).”

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.