Retiring RCMP commissioner draws praise and criticism
When Bob Paulson was chosen as RCMP commissioner in late 2011, there was hope among observers and the rank-and-file that the no-nonsense leader with a deep background in investigating organized crime could help turn around a force mired in controversy.
“He’s a blue-collar worker with a white-collar mentality,” one colleague said at the time.
But as he gets ready to retire in a few months, opinion is divided over how well Paulson has managed to repair the force’s image. Even though he vowed to crack down on misconduct and sexual harassment within the force, allegations persist.
Despite Paulson’s efforts to boost morale and to reassure Mounties he had their backs, pay for front line officers is among the lowest in the country.
And next month — in what could be another blow — a trial is set to begin in which prosecutors will allege the force failed to provide officers with adequate equipment and training to deal with active shooters.
“The current situation regarding the RCMP hasn’t been stellar,” said Pierre-Yves Bourduas, a retired deputy commissioner. “The RCMP are managing a lot of issues. Labour relations are not at their best … There are a ton of issues that are affecting morale within the organization.”
However, Rob Gordon, a criminology professor at Simon Fraser University, said Paulson inherited an “almost impossible task” and has generally been an “effective, stabilizing force” who should be praised for the way he’s addressed disciplinary problems.
Paulson announced Monday in a letter to staff he will step down June 30 after 32 years with the RCMP to focus on family. He acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, including dealing with “persistent harassment claims,” looking after the mental health of employees, improving diversity and achieving equitable pay.
In a tweet, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale thanked Paulson for his decades of service and “dedication to protecting the safety of Canadians.”
Unlike his predecessor, William Elliott, a civilian and veteran bureaucrat, Paulson came from the trenches and spent many years investigating high-profile organized crime and biker gang cases. From the start, Paulson vowed to take swift action against “bad apples” within the force and promised to tackle allegations of pervasive sexual harassment and bullying. He developed a “Gender and Respect” plan and made a big push to hire and promote more women.
Last fall, in an unprecedented move, Paulson, facing two proposed class-action lawsuits, offered his “sincere apology” to all women in the force who had been bullied or harassed and apologized to Canadians for having to witness “disgraceful conduct within our ranks.” The government also set aside $100 million in compensation. It was hailed as a “turning point.” Despite these actions, the harassment issue continues to plague the force. Recently, an Ontario judge awarded $141,000 in damages in the case of Sgt. Peter Merrifield, who alleged he faced years of retaliation after running for a Conservative Party nomination. The judge described the RCMP’s conduct as “beyond all standards of what is right and decent.”
As the National Post reported last March, even Paulson faced a formal accusation from a subordinate of using intimidating and demeaning language, prompting Steven Blaney, the former public safety minister, to investigate. Paulson subsequently apologized for exercising “bad judgment” and using “inflammatory language.”
THERE ARE A TON OF ISSUES THAT ARE AFFECTING MORALE WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION.