The Hamilton Spectator

RCMP faces labour code trial over 2014 Moncton rampage

Change needed before ‘tragic history repeats itself,’ says wife of a Mountie who was killed

- KEVIN BISSETT

Three years after a gunman’s rampage left three Mounties dead, the RCMP itself faces trial Monday.

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 semi-automatic rifle to target police officers in Moncton’s northwest end.

The rampage set off a 30-hour 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.

Ensure, in general, the health and safety of its members.

Larche said she hopes the trial will lead to changes to ensure officer safety.

“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.

Bourque was sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibilit­y for 75 years after pleading guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

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