‘We failed you.We hurt you’: Text of apology from RCMP commissioner Bob Paulson
OTTAWA — RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson apologized at a news conference Thursday to hundreds of current and former female officers and employees who were subjected to alleged incidents of bullying, discrimination and harassment. A text of the statement of apology was released by the RCMP:
Good morning. Forty-two years ago, almost to the day, women joined the RCMP as full-fledged police officers for the very first time. It was an historic moment for a national police force whose history is so rich and so intertwined with this incredible country.
The new recruits were very publicly sworn-in by the highest ranking officers in an effort to demonstrate that these pioneering and courageous women would be supported and helped into what would be a very challenging role.
Throughout my 31 years of policing, I have found that people seek out and join the RCMP as police officers, civilian members, and public servants, because fundamentally it is noble work in the service of Canadians. People come to work here — to play a role, a key and unique role — in keeping Canada and Canadians safe and secure.