Report calls for major changes to rid RCMP of toxic culture

OTTAWA — An independent report on harassment of women in the RCMP says fundamental change is needed to rid the national police force of a toxic culture that tolerates hateful and homophobic attitudes.

The report released Thursday by former Supreme Court justice Michel Bastarache says it is well past time for the federal government to take meaningful and radical action to address these issues, which have caused incalculable damage.

The report, “Broken Dreams Broken Lives,” concludes that change cannot come from within the RCMP, but must be initiated from the outside. It calls for an in-depth, external review of the institution and the future of the force as a federal policing organization.

“One of the key findings of this report is that the culture of the RCMP is toxic and tolerates misogynistic and homophobic attitudes among its leaders and members,” Bastarache writes.

“I am of the view that cultural change is highly unlikely to come from within the RCMP. It has had many years and many reports and recommendations and yet the unacceptable behaviour continues to occur.”

At a news conference Thursday, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki expressed sorrow and outrage at the findings.

“There is absolutely no room for sexual assault, harassment, discrimination, bullying, sexism, racism, homophobia or transphobia in the RCMP.”

But Lucki, who has previously acknowledged being personally subjected to harassment, stopped short of fully embracing Bastarache’s recommendation of an externally led overhaul.

She outlined numerous initiatives, including a new, more independent system for addressing harassment complaints.

“I cannot fix the past, I definitely can make a different future,” Lucki said. “I’m confident in our plan, I’m confident in our way forward.”

Bastarache was the independent assessor who oversaw the provision of millions of dollars in compensation to 2,304 women involved in a class-action settlement covering several decades.

Of particular concern in the context of policing was the denial, or the threat of denial, of backup assistance to officers, the report says. Bastarache found the mistreatment took place from initial training and early postings to maternity leave and efforts to advance.