Deal reached in harassment lawsuit against RCMP
As many as 1,500 claimants could be eligible for a payment
VANCOUVER — Three women who shared their stories of sexual harassment as part of a classaction lawsuit against the RCMP have shown great courage so others who may have endured similar experiences can come forward, a lawyer said Monday.
Lawyers for Cheryl Tiller, Mary Ellen Copland and Dayna Roach reached a settlement that opens the door to potential claims from thousands of women who worked in non-policing roles including as volunteers since Sept. 16, 1974, lead counsel Angela Bespflug told a news conference in Vancouver.
Tiller sought legal advice in February 2017, claiming she was sexually harassed by a superior at a detachment in Yorkton, Sask. Copeland alleged similar harassment in Surrey, B.C., as did Roach, who was office manager of the detachment in Lloydminster, Alta.
“I encourage women to come forward,” Tiller said in a statement.
“Be brave. This is not your fault. Start the healing journey.”
The sexual harassment of Tiller and Copland was followed by a change in how they were treated and then retaliation, said Bespflug, whose firm Klein Lawyers represented the two women. Roach contacted lawyer Patrick Higgerty in Calgary and he said the two companies joined forces for the lawsuit because the women’s cases were so similar.
As named plaintiffs, all three women chose to share their painful stories “with the world,” Bespflug said, adding the harassment went on for years.
“In a case like this where these stories are so deeply personal it takes its impact. There’s a big emotional and psychological toll in doing that. You also open yourself up to public scrutiny. This is why these women were brave to come forward and give their names and their voices so other women could come forward.”
The Federal Court certified the class-action lawsuit last week involving women who experienced gender or sexual harassment since the RCMP began employing female members 45 years ago.
Bespflug said as many as 1,500 claimants may be eligible for settlements that could have a total value of as much as $100 million, but that will depend on how many substantiated claims are received and there is no cap if the settlements go beyond that amount.
The settlement includes a confidential independent claims process led by female assessors with eligible payments ranging from $10,000 to $220,000 for a proven claim she said.
In a statement, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki said the RCMP has taken steps to improve the way it deals with harassment complaints.