Moncton massacre trial
‘Change in this organization is needed before tragic history repeats itself.’
Three years after a gunman’s rampage left three Mounties dead, the RCMP itself faces trial today.
The Labour Code trial stems from the force’s handling of the 2014 massacre in Moncton, N.B., and the wife of one victim says it will be extremely difficult for everyone involved — but necessary.
“Change in this organization is needed before tragic history repeats itself,’’ Nadine Larche said.
“Had they had proper equipment, proper training and information, I believe that the outcome of that day would have been very different.’’
Her husband, Const. Doug Larche, and constables Fabrice Gevaudan and Dave Ross were killed, while constables Eric Dubois and Darlene Goguen were wounded when gunman Justin Bourque used a semiautomatic rifle to target police officers in Moncton’s northwest end.
The rampage set off a 30hour manhunt that drew in officers from around the region. People in the area were told not to leave their homes until the gunman was caught. Bourque later said he had hoped to start a rebellion against the government.
The RCMP’s lengthy trial is scheduled to begin Monday before a provincial court judge, and is expected to last until the end of June.
Employment and Social Development Canada alleges the
force failed to:
— Provide its members with appropriate use-of-force equipment and user training when responding to an active threat or active shooter event;
— Provide its members with necessary information, instruction and/or training when responding to an active threat or active shooter event;
— Provide its supervisory personnel with appropriate information, instruction and/or training when responding to an active threat or active shooter event; and
— Ensure, in general, the health and safety of its members.
Larche said she hopes the
trial will lead to changes to ensure officer safety and better working conditions.
“I am encouraged by the fact that charges were laid and that the Crown is holding the RCMP responsible for mistakes that were made that cost three RCMP members’ lives,’’ she said in an email to The Canadian Press.
A review said officers responding to the shootings faced a litany of problems, including getting access to accurate information, high-powered weaponry and protective equipment.
The RCMP entered not-guilty pleas in May 2016.
Rob Creasser of the Mounted Police Professional Association
of Canada said he was “surprised and horrified at the same time’’ when the force entered not guilty pleas.
He calls the trial a tremendous waste of taxpayers’ money that will unnecessarily dredge up a lot of emotions.
Still, Creasser said he hopes it leads to accountability by the force.
“It’s important that communities, especially those that have the RCMP looking after them, that those police agencies have the tools, equipment and training they need to be effective in their work and keep those communities safe. I don’t think this was the case in Moncton,’’ he said.