RCMP Class Action Certified by a Canadian Court at $1.1B

An RCMP class action lawsuit alleging a “toxic” work environment within the policing organization, including workplace harassment and bullying has been certified by a federal court.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reportedly faced two workplace harassment reports before this bullying and harassment class action lawsuit was filed in 2018. In addition, over 15 reviews of the organization’s alleged dysfunctional culture were conducted identifying more than 200 recommendations for reform. Only a few have been implemented.

The Class that was recently certified by Justice McDonald includes all current and former RCMP members, including civilian members, special constables, reservists, recruits, and all regular members. In addition, the certified Class includes Public Service Employees ineligible to participate in grievance procedures under the Federal Sector Labor Relations Act. Others who worked at the RCMP are included as well.

“The plaintiffs claim that the RCMP leadership fostered and condoned a culture of bullying, intimidation, and general harassment for decades, creating a toxic workplace characterized by abuse of power and fear of reprisal,” states the plaintiff lawyers’ website. “The plaintiffs further claim that statutory and institutional barriers prevented RCMP Members from engaging in collective bargaining and/or obtaining other meaningful redress for their grievances.”

According to the plaintiffs’ lawyer, the problem starts at the top. The RCMP class action lawsuit alleges that due to the toxic workplace, those who were subject to bullying, intimidation and harassment were unable to report problems through the chain of command. Additionally, the victims of the toxic work environment suffered from both physical and emotional injuries including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Further, the plaintiffs claim that their careers suffered because they lost promotion and early retirement opportunities from direct and indirect retaliatory actions against them.

The RCMP class action lawsuit was certified at $1.1 billion. The plaintiffs are seeking damages and allege that the RCMP violated its statutory, contractual, and common law duties to Class Members.

The RCMP attempted to counter the move to certify the class action lawsuit, pointing out that it had implemented updates to its internal processes in 2014 to address the harassment problem after a series of sexual harassment reports.

“The RCMP internal processes do not appear to be equipped to provide redress or compensation for negatively impacted career paths or harm to the family members impacted by the alleged conduct.  Therefore, the internal processes may not be able to provide an appropriate remedy, or any remedy at all, for some of the claims advanced. Finally, the internal processes and how they are, or are not administered, forms a core component of the claims advanced by the Plaintiffs,” wrote the judge in her order certifying the Class.

What do you think about the allegations of a toxic workplace environment in the RCMP class action lawsuit? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

The plaintiffs and certified Class are represented by Megan B. McPhee, Won J. Kim, Rachael Sider and Aris Gyamfi of Kim Spencer McPhee Barristers P.C.

The RCMP Class Action Lawsuit is Geoffrey Greenwood, et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen, Case No. T-1201-18 in Toronto Federal Court, Canada.

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