FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2000-07-11

Minister of Justice and Executive Director of the Standards

OTTAWA - Forensic testing is being used more and more within Canada's criminal justice system. In particular, police departments are often able to use DNA technology to re-open and solve previously unsolved cases. With guilt or innocence at stake, courts need to know that the results are reliable. Enter accreditation, which provides national and international recognition of a lab's competence, enhancing its marketability and increasing consumer confidence in its abilities.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Forensic Laboratory Edmonton is the first RCMP laboratory to be accredited by the Standards Council of Canada's Program for the Accreditation of Laboratories-Canada (PALCAN). Peter Clark, executive director of the Standards Council of Canada and Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada presented the RCMP Forensic Laboratory Edmonton with its official certificate of accreditation at a presentation in Edmonton today.

"The RCMP Forensic Laboratory Edmonton in achieving this recognition of their commitment to consistent and reliable forensic testing practices, exemplifies the values upheld by Canada's justice system," said Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. "This is yet another affirmation of the professionalism and competency of the RCMP, of the staff at the RCMP Forensic Laboratory Edmonton and within the Forensic Laboratory Services of the RCMP."

"The Standards Council of Canada is pleased to recognize the efforts of the RCMP and specifically those of the staff of RCMP Forensic Laboratory Edmonton in this success. Through independent, third-party verification, PALCAN assists labs in ensuring high-quality and credible services. The RCMP's commitment to providing services that demonstrate consistency and conformity will serve to reaffirm Canadians' faith in the justice system. Our sincerest congratulations to the laboratory in Edmonton and to the Forensic Laboratory Services of the RCMP," remarked Peter Clark.

"The accreditation of our Edmonton site is a milestone for the RCMP Forensic Laboratory Services. Over the years, we have sought to provide our clients with a quality service, and it will be reassuring to all our stakeholders that our service quality conforms to internationally accepted accreditation standards," said Dr. Brian W. Richardson, assistant commissioner, Forensic Laboratory Services. "Staff at Forensic Laboratory Edmonton can take pride in this accomplishment," commended Dr. Richardson. "This experience has been a positive influence on the commitment to quality, which has always been of paramount importance in the forensic science environment and of utmost importance to the Canadian Justice System. The Edmonton RCMP Laboratory personnel are proud of this achievement which stands to point the way forward for other forensic laboratories," added Don B. Ogilvie, officer in charge of the RCMP's Edmonton Laboratory.

The Edmonton lab is one of six labs within the Forensic Laboratory Services Directorate and is part of National Police Services. National Police Services provide vital operational support for Canada's criminal justice system, including over 400 Canadian police and government agencies, as well as select international law enforcement agencies.

RCMP Forensic Laboratory Edmonton serves federal, provincial and municipal police forces, as well as other government enforcement agencies and the Courts. It has been accredited to the forensic program specialty area in the disciplines of Biology/DNA, Chemistry/Trace Evidence, Questioned Documents Examination, Firearms and Toolmarks Examination, Forensic Imaging and Toxicology.

The Standards Council of Canada is the federal Crown corporation that oversees the National Standards System. Its Program for Accreditation of Laboratories - Canada (PALCAN) has accredited over 240 laboratories in a variety of general testing and specialty areas.

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