Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness announces the appointment of a Special Advisor

Sheila Fraser to examine the RCMP's handling of four harassment claims

OTTAWA, July 7, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is taking further action to help ensure all RCMP members, trainees and employees can feel safe and respected amongst their colleagues and superiors.

Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced that Sheila Fraser has been appointed as a Special Advisor. Reporting to the Minister, Ms. Fraser will provide advice and recommendations regarding the RCMP's application of policies and procedures after Catherine Galliford, Alice Fox, Atoya Montague and Susan Gastaldo filed legal proceedings in court against the RCMP. Following Ms. Fraser's review, the Government expects recommendations that the RCMP can apply more broadly in handling similar cases in the future.   

This appointment delivers on the Minister's commitment to review the four cases. It is effective immediately and ends on March 31, 2017. Ms. Fraser brings the credibility, impartiality and proven track record required to undertake this review.

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"For the RCMP to carry out its role effectively, it is essential that its actions be professional and exemplary and that it has the trust and respect of Canadians. The Prime Minister gave me a clear mandate to ensure that the RCMP and all parts of my portfolio are healthy workplaces, free from harassment and sexual violence. I look forward to receiving Ms. Fraser's findings and – most importantly – seeing how the implementation of these recommendations will contribute to a healthy workplace for RCMP members and employees, and a national police force that Canadians can trust and be proud of."  

- Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Associated Links

• Minister Goodale's Statement on Review of Harassment in the RCMP
• CRCC Review of workplace harassment in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• CRCC Public Interest Investigation Report into Issues of Workplace Harassment within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657