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Filing a Complaint

If you feel you have been unjustly treated by a lawyer, the police or the judiciary, the following links outline the process of filing a complaint.

• Against the RNC
• Against the RCMP
• Against a Judge
• Against a Lawyer

Against the RNC

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Public Complaints Commission was established by legislation in May 1993 and operates pursuant to Part III of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Act, 1992. Its purpose is to provide members of the public with an independent forum for their complaints against Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Public Complaints Commission functions independently of both the Department of Justice and of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, reporting directly to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Speaker of the House of Assembly. The role of the Commissioner, under powers conferred through the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Act, 1992, is to receive and maintain a registry of complaints made by members of the public against police officers, and to ensure that they are dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Part III of the Act which provides a framework for investigating, hearing and deciding complaints and handling appeals. Additionally, it is open to the Commissioner to make recommendations to appropriate authorities respecting matters of public interest related to police services.

For more information please visit Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Public Complaints Commission.

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Against the RCMP

The Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP (CPC) is an independent agency created by Parliament to ensure that public complaints made about the conduct of RCMP members are examined fairly and impartially.

The CPC is not part of the RCMP.

CPC reports make findings and recommendations aimed at correcting and preventing recurring policing problems.

The CPC's goal is to promote excellence in policing through accountability.

Mandate

• To receive complaints from the public about the conduct of RCMP members;
• To conduct reviews when complainants are not satisfied with the RCMP's handling of their complaints;
• To hold hearings and carry out investigations;
• To report findings and make recommendations.

Instructions on how to file a complaint against the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

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Against a Judge

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section for information on filing a judicial complaint.

How to file a complaint from the Provincial Courts website.

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Against a Lawyer

The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is responsible for the governance of the legal profession. Through the discipline process the Law Society investigates the professional conduct of its members. Conduct is reviewed in accordance with standards of ethical practice prescribed by the Law Society Act, 1999 (the Act), the Law Society Rules and the Code of Professional Conduct. The Law Society does not provide legal representation or advice to the public. The discipline process does not provide a mechanism to revise or reduce a lawyer’s statement of account nor change the decision of a Court or tribunal.

How to file a complaint from the Law Society website.

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