RCMP Members Deserve The Right to Speak UP

SURREY, BC , April 27, 2016 /CNW/ - The Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada (MPPAC) made a positive impact on protecting the constitutional rights of members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in a British Columbia Provincial Court this week.

By testifying before a justice, RCMP retired officers Rolly Beaulieu and David Reichert made the case for the constitutional rights of all members of the RCMP to be acknowledged by RCMP management — specifically, the constitutional right of freedom of association and freedom of expression which is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and section 425 of the criminal code. This stems from an incident in 2015 when Beaulieu and Reichert were bullied and harassed by senior members of the RCMP over discussing labour relations with RCMP members in a public access space adjacent to Surrey's main detachment. Beaulieu and Reichert are both members of MPPAC.

MPPAC firmly supports all members having the constitutional right to be engaged in meaningful collective bargaining and freedom of expression in accordance with the Supreme Court of Canada ruling of January, 2015

This incident (December 15, 2015) stems from The Global News "16X9" television show aired on February 20, 2016.

Why has the Commissioner of the RCMP not intervened and taken a leadership role? This case highlights why matters of intimidation and bullying clearly must be included in the legislation currently being debated - Bill C-7.

To learn more, visit www.mppac.ca

SOURCE Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada (MPPAC)

Rob Creasser, Media Relations, Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada, T: [phone], E: [email protected]