303. Concerning articles 8 and 9 of the Convention, the representative indicated that Canada could cooperate with another country in accordance with those articles regardless of whether bilateral treaties on mutual legal assistance existed. As an example of how the procedure of mutual legal assistance was applied in practice, information was given on the assistance given by Canada at the request of Chile in connection with a torture-related prosecution there. 304. With regard to article 10 of the Convention, the representative informed the Committee of the training on the Convention and other related matters given to various public officials, including members of the correctional service and recruits for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Canadian armed forces called upon to assist civil authorities during a riot or disturbance in Canada or participating in United Nations peace-keeping and humanitarian operations outside Canada received specific training in, inter alia, the use of minimum force. The representative also indicated that he was unaware of specific training given to medical doctors on the detection of torture and more information on that subject would be sought. 305. In connection with articles 12 and 13 of the Convention, the representative outlined the procedures available to an individual alleging torture by the police, which included personal prosecution of the offence. Such actions may be brought by the individual under the provisions of the Criminal Code or the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, or through the filing of a complaint with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Moreover, civil redress may be sought under the Crown Liability Act or at common law. Since the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Public Complaints Commission had become operational in 1988 it had held 12 hearings, 5 of which had concerned excessive force. 306. With regard to article 14 of the Convention, the representative outlined several aspects of compensation arrangements in Canada for criminal injuries following a police investigation. He indicated, for example, that compensation might be provided in the case of an accused person acquitted on the merits of a charge or in the case of an acquittal on technical grounds. Such compensation provisions stemmed from special funds established by the Government. Equally, an injured party might seek compensation or other remedies through the courts, even if the offender was a government official. 307. Concerning article 16 of the Convention, the representative informed the Committee of the statement by the Supreme Court of Canada, in the case of Regina V. Smith, that there were certain punishments which would always offend the protection against cruel and unusual punishment in section 12 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and that included corporal punishment. Furthermore, the Federal Government was re-examining a provision of the Criminal Code which permitted reasonable force by a parent or schoolteacher in the correction of a child. Conclusions and recommendations 308. The Committee expressed its appreciation to the Government of Canada, not only for its comprehensive report but also for the measures and efforts undertaken by the Canadian authorities in compliance with the provisions of the Convention. 309. The Committee also expressed its thanks for the excellent presentation by the Canadian delegation and in this regard noted with satisfaction the various clarifications provided by the delegation in response to the questions raised by members of the Committee during its examination of the State party’s report. -51-