Ottawa, June 18, 2015 – Senator Grant Mitchell has tabled legislation to create a civilian review and oversight council for the RCMP, as well as an Ombudsperson, measures which will begin to address allegations of harassment within the Force.
“This is a big step in the right direction,” said Alberta Senator Grant Mitchell. “Over the past few years I have been working with injured members who have expressed the need for better review and oversight mechanisms to address allegation of harassment in the Force. I made the recommendation in a past Senate committee report and in an independent report, and now I want to make it a reality.”
Sherry Benson-Podolchuk, a former member who has spoken out against harassment in the RCMP, commended Senator Mitchell on this bill. “This legislation will provide all members of the RCMP – past, present and future – with protection and recourse for crimes committed against them and further protection from those officers who would seek to punish victims who speak up on the systemic problems of harassment, bullying and the culture of protectiveness deeply embedded in in the culture of the RCMP.”
http://senatorgrantmitchell.ca/news/21683.aspx