Taking Half Measures

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has undergone numerous reforms. Some planned, some of them to keep pace with time, and others forced ones. When in 1974, induction of women in RCMP was allowed it was considered one of the biggest reforms. However, a good move does have its critics too. Some had expressed concern that the work in RCMP could prove too precarious for the female officers.

A press conference last Thursday corroborate some of those doubts. There have been reports stating that female officers have come forward with complaints of unwanted touching, bullying and harassment and even sexual assaults.  Last Thursday, RCMP commissioner Bob Paulson offered a heartfelt apology. Commissioner was forthright in saying, “You came to the RCMP wanting to personally contribute to your community and we failed you. We hurt you. For that, I am truly sorry.” He spoke from the core of his heart and also committed for a transformational change as part of the two class- action lawsuits.

Almost 500 women were part of the class action against the RCMP. However, it’s estimated that the number may be higher for those applying for financial compensation. Ever since Bob Paulson took over, he has been takingconvincing steps. Zero tolerance towards harassment and taking personal briefing of any reported sexual misconduct are some of the steps that Bob Paulson has initiated.

A landmark Legislation reform was brought in November 2014, in the form of Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act that provided RCMP leaders with enhanced authorities to address inappropriate behavior in a fair, consistent, timely and comprehensive manner. And RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson is known to be implementing the same and ensuring that the complaint process gets overhauled to better support those having any grievances.  Bob Paulson perhaps knew that Legislation alone was not unable to address the cultural challenges that were likely to emerge with special powers being entrusted. The need to provide employees with an inclusive workplace that respects its entire people and gives them a sense of belonging and make them contribute to the overall growth was felt and was addressed.

It is always so simple, and so complicating, to accept an apology. An apology of such a kind was bound to be accompanied by applause and criticism alike. While many Canadians are concerned for the compensation being a burden on the taxpayers.Their concerns are genuine too. When those sworn to serve and protect are enmeshed in cases of sexual assault, it goes on to show little respect for the women they work with.

The settlement so announced by RCMP commissioner Bob Paulson doesn’t address anything to deal with the perpetrators. The silence of the issue has only given rise to speculations. There is criticism as many of the men responsible are being retired off and will not be held responsible. During the press conference when Paulson was asked if he would fire the perpetrators of harassment he said, “If claimants come forward you can rest assured the fist of God will descend upon the people.” He promised action if complainants also file a complaint naming their aggressors. The claims are likely to be kept confidential and Justice MichealBastarache will determine their merit and which of the six levels of compensation, based on the severity of claim each woman is entitled to.

The discrimination that has been addressed by RCMP is not just an internal problem of RCMP. It’s an issue that concerns Canada as the confidence in the force and the police in general has been eroded. Bob Paulson seems to be earnest in his commitment to banishing sexism from RCMP. His announcement last week has sent a strong message, but Canadians still expect more in terms of the treatment to be meted to the offenders. An action against those offenders would send a strong signal and may act as a deterrent in other areas too.