One of the priorities of the Solicitor General right now is to take on the problem of high-risk violent offenders, particularly repeat sex offenders. The Secretariat, on behalf of the Minister, is looking at legislative options to deal with this small number of dangerous offenders. As I'm sure you are all aware, this issue has been the cause of great public concern in recent months. Our overall aim in all these initiatives, and others I haven't mentioned, is to improve the quality of police services, and to advance the government's social policy agenda and enhance what we used to call peace, order and good government. This can only be done through partnership, through federal, provincial and police cooperation and coordination.
Partnership is the key.
It is the principle that has formed the bedrock of the Secretariat's most successful work to date, and it will be our guiding principle in the work we do in the months ahead. And, needless to say, the RCMP will be an important player in that work. The more specific function of the Solicitor General, in relation to the RCMP, is derived from the RCMP Act. This Act provides for ministerial direction to the Commissioner. As well, the Department of the Solicitor General Act provides for ministerial responsibility, and hence accountability, for the RCMP among other agencies.