The RCMP has delivered a historic apology to female officers and civilian members with a massive settlement over harassment, discrimination and sexual abuse claims that could cost up to $100 million.
About 20,000 current and past employees who have worked for the RCMP since 1974 could qualify for compensation, but it is expected that about a thousand will seek payments.
The settlement agreement, which must still be approved by a Federal Court, deals with two separate class action cases that have been ongoing for nearly five years.
RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson teared up as he apologized and praised the women for their courage during a news conference in Ottawa.
"To all the women who have been impacted by the force's failure to have protected your experience at work, and on behalf of every leader, supervisor or manager, every commissioner, I stand humbly before you today and solemnly offer our sincere apology," he said.
Paulson also apologized to all Canadians for the "shameful" conduct within the ranks that bred "deep disappointment" in the national police force.
Compensation claims will be paid at six different levels, based on severity of the severity of the acts and the impact on the woman's welfare and career. The process will be confidential, but does not compel women to refrain from speaking about their experiences publicly.
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Ralph Goodale called it "deeply disturbing" that a Canadian icon like the RCMP was tarnished by misconduct. Cont. (Video)
Story from - CBC News
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