The RCMP's top officers are "working through the issues" behind a number of complaints about Commissioner William Elliott, according to memo obtained by CTV News.

"We are part of the RCMP family. As with any family, there are occasions where we have difficulties," reads the memo from the force's Senior Executive Committee.

"By working together as a team, the senior leadership of the Force intends to address the challenges we face while continuing to work together in the best interests of the RCMP, the communities and the Canadians we serve."

The committee includes the commissioner, the deputy commissioners and anyone else who reports directly to the commissioner.

To resolve the conflict, they're conducting a "workplace assessment" with the help of an outside advisor, as has already been reported.

"We look forward to the helpful recommendations which will follow," the memo said.

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews has confirmed that there is a workplace assessment underway that stems from a feud between RCMP Commissioner William Elliott and his senior subordinates.

Elliott, the first-ever civilian director of the RCMP, has reportedly become the subject of formal complaints from senior Mounties who take issue with the way he conducts himself on the job.

Toews would not comment any further on the assessment, saying only it relates to internal management of the RCMP.

On Tuesday, CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife spoke to a senior Mountie who described the beef senior officers have with their commissioner.

Fife quoted the unnamed Mountie as being "fed up" with Elliott's behaviour, describing it as "abusive, ignorant" and "bullying."

Recently, senior staff members have been keeping detailed notes on Elliott's behavior, which will likely be submitted to the assessor.

"So at the end of the day, when that report is done, he may lose his job," said Fife.

Elliott has so far said little about the reports about his relationship with senior Mounties. He also declined to appear on CTV to discuss the matter.

His appointment as a civilian never went down well with the police officers in the RCMP, and defenders of him say the complaints may represent an attempt to replace him, according to many reports.

Elliott is the 22nd person to serve as commissioner of the RCMP -- and the first non-Mountie to do so. He began serving as commissioner just over three years ago.