RCMP apologizes, settles historic sexual harassment claims

OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson has apologized to hundreds of current and former female officers and employees following claims of bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment.

Paulson said sorry on behalf of the force as he announced a settlement of two class-action lawsuits stemming from the harassment allegations, which date back to September 1974. The financial terms are not being disclosed because the settlement still needs to be approved by the courts.

The move comes as two former members had brought forward two class-action lawsuits. Paulson also directly apologized to those two staffers — Janet Merlo and Linda Davidson.

“The very last thing any of them would ever expect from this honourable institution is that their ability to contribute to our crucial mission would be constrained, impeded, defined or even affected by their gender,” says Paulson. “Instead of succeeding and thriving in a supportive and inclusive workplace, many women have suffered careers scarred by gender and sexual discrimination, bullying and harassment. Some of these women left the RCMP heartbroken, disillusioned and angry. Other stayed and were forced to find ways on their own to cope with this inexcusable condition.”

Paulson was joined at the news conference by the plaintiffs, as well as Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale and Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk. “Others courageously tried to make themselves heard by management, only to find they were denied movement and opportunity or judged adversely and punished within the RCMP for their efforts,” added Paulson.

“This is a great day for myself, women in the RCMP, women in Canada. It’s a good day for the RCMP. It’s a turning point and I have total faith that this is the beginning of a new era, hopefully a better era,” says Merlo.

Catherine Galliford, a former RCMP spokeswoman who’s become a high-profile figure in the fight against discrimination on the force is pleased the issue is being acknowledged. “This apology has been a long time coming. It’s been coming since 1974 and now, at least, we have that apology and we have an acknowledgement and hopefully we can move forward from here.”

LISTEN: Catherine Galliford speaks with anchors Brock Hunter and Alison Bailey

 

“Do I have faith that things will change overnight? Absolutely not because a culture can’t change overnight. Quite frankly, changing culture is extremely difficult, if not impossible,” adds Galliford.

Claimants must make their claims within six months from the date the courts approve the deal. “On behalf of every leader, supervisor or manager, every commissioner — I stand humbly before you today and solemnly offer our sincere apology,” states Paulson.

He went on to praise the women for not staying silent, admitting the RCMP will never be the same. “I must also apologize to all Canadians. I know how disappointed you’ve been with the force as you’ve heard some of these very public and shameful examples of disgraceful conduct from within our ranks,” adds Paulson.

The settlement likely marks the beginning of the end a difficult episode in the force’s history, one that has haunted Paulson’s tenure as commissioner.

Lawyer Doug King with the Pivot Legal Society agrees this is a positive first step, but points out the announcement doesn’t include how the problem will be fixed. “One thing we know about police culture is it’s probably one of the most difficult cultures internally to change.” He doesn’t feel the RCMP can change that culture on its own and he’d like to see action from government.