Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced on Friday, May 26, 2023, that a new civilian director of the Independent Investigation Unit has been appointed.
Roxanne Gagne, a former federal Crown counsel with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and a legal adviser with the Department of Justice Canada, takes over the role effective July 1, 2023.
“A civilian-led investigation unit is a cornerstone of the Police Services Act and the IIU plays an important part in reinforcing the confidence of Manitobans in our police services,” said Goertzen. “Roxanne Gagné is an experienced and respected leader who has dedicated her career to the law, and with close to three decades of work in the justice system, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience that will serve her well as she leads the IIU moving forward.”
The IIU investigates incidents where civilians suffer serious injuries or death as a result of contact with police. They also investigate other offences and incidents involving police agencies in the province.
The civilian director is appointed by the lieutenant-governor for a five-year term which may be extended for a sedond five-year term.
The current civilian director Zane Tessler was first appointed in 2013 and served two terms.
