RCMP Commissioner statement on the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission’s final report examining the RCMP’s investigation into the death of Susan Butlin

May 21, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario
From: RCMP National Headquarters

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I want to begin by extending my deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and community, as well as to all those affected by the murder of Susan Butlin in Colchester County, Nova Scotia, on September 17, 2017. Her death is a profound tragedy, and I recognize that the events that followed have had a lasting impact on many people across the province and throughout Canada.

The circumstances surrounding Ms. Butlin's death are a painful reminder of our responsibility—as individuals and as a policing organization— to act with professionalism, care, and consistency at all times. We must acknowledge where we fell short and the consequences that followed.

The RCMP firmly believes that independent civilian review is essential to accountability, and to maintaining public trust. We remain committed to full cooperation with the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) and its independent investigative work.

Today, alongside my colleagues, I welcome the CRCC's final report examining the RCMP's investigation into the death of Susan Butlin. Its findings are clear: the RCMP investigation into Ms. Butlin's sexual assault complaint was inadequate and contributed to a failure to take reasonable measures to ensure her safety. We acknowledge the findings and have already taken meaningful steps to address them.

Sexual assault is a deeply traumatic crime, with lasting and profound impacts on victims. It is critical that victims are met with professionalism, respect, and support from police investigators. When interactions fall short of this standard, it can deepen harm and discourage others from coming forward to report these crimes. That underscores the importance of getting this right—every time.

I am encouraged that the CRCC's recommendations align with changes we began implementing nationally in 2017. These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to improving how we support victims and those at risk. We continue to strengthen our policies on sexual offence investigations, informed by legislation, oversight reviews, case law, and evolving best practices.

We are enhancing training and awareness, reinforcing investigative accountability, and ensuring officers can connect victims to community supports. The National Office of Sexual Offence Investigative Standards (NOSOIS) continues to guide this work, including training on cultural awareness, cultural humility, and gender-based violence.

Sexual Assault Investigation Review Committees are now in place across all divisions where we provide policing services. These committees review files not cleared by charge, including those classified as unfounded, to help ensure investigations are thorough, impartial, and properly classified, while identifying and addressing systemic barriers.

Anyone—regardless of gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, race, ability, or ethnicity—can experience gender-based violence. The RCMP is committed to continued action to strengthen training, improve investigative accountability, enhance victim support, and expand public education and awareness.

We are equally committed to learning from the past. The findings in this report are difficult, but necessary. By applying these lessons, we will continue to improve how we serve Canadians and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

Mike Duheme
Commissioner

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