A federal judge has rejected an attempt to challenge Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree’s refusal to intervene in a dispute involving the RCMP.

As first reported by Blacklock’s Reporter, the case stemmed from complaints submitted by an Alberta lawyer alleging serious misconduct related to a longstanding family dispute with an RCMP officer. The accusations included arbitrary enforcement, institutional incompetence, conflicts of interest and the mishandling of evidence.

The matter had already travelled through several channels, including the RCMP commissioner, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission and the Federal Court of Appeal.

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Anandasangaree responded in an April 1 letter that, although he is responsible for the RCMP, he has no authority to direct police investigations or involve himself in operational decisions. He also noted the dispute was still before the courts.

The lawyer sought judicial review, but Justice Allyson Whyte Nowak ruled the minister’s letter was not a government decision carrying legal consequences. It changed no rights, imposed no obligations and caused no legally recognizable harm.

“This decision is not a lapse in the rule of law,” wrote Whyte Nowak. She said respecting the limits of the Federal Court’s authority is itself necessary to uphold the rule of law.

Anandasangaree has previously testified that the RCMP operates at arm’s length from the government and that his ability to direct its operations is extremely limited.