On Friday, January 19, 2018, Assistant Commissioner Steven White, Acting Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) issued the following Force-wide communiqué.
Alleged Sexual Assault of Members
Some disturbing information has come to our attention that alleges a doctor who conducted RCMP recruitment medical examinations and periodic health assessments in the Atlantic Region between 1981 and 2003 sexually assaulted RCMP applicants and members. We understand that the individual has retired from practising medicine.
Halifax Regional Police have been made aware and will assume the investigative lead given this occurred under the jurisdiction formerly served by Bedford Police. If you are a victim, or if you have any information regarding this matter, please contact the Halifax Regional Police at 902-490-5020.
If you or someone you know needs support as a result of these alleged events, please do not hesitate to seek assistance. Confidential help is available. All RCMP employees and their dependents can contact Health Canada’s Employee Assistance Services 24/7 at 1-800-268-7708 or 1-800-567-5803 for persons with a hearing impairment. You can also talk to a Peer to Peer Coordinator or Advisor who are in place to provide a valuable link between employees and a range of health related resources and services. And our medical staff and psychologists in our Occupational Health Services Offices across the country can assist in referring you to a range of available support services.
Please take care of yourself and each other.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen White
Acting Chief Human Resources Officer
Current Media Reports
This matter has been reported in the media, including an artricle in The Globe and Mail this morning (January 23, 2018), quoting both “H” Division Commanding Officer A/Commr. Brian Brennan and A/CHRO, A/Commr. Steven White. The name of the suspect has not been publicly released at this time by Halifax Regional Police. We are monitoring this case and will post further details as soon as they become available.
Anyone who believes they have information respecting this criminal investigation is encouraged to contact Halifax Regional Police at 902-490-5020.
Any former RCMP employee, whether a member of the Association or not, in need of support relevant to this matter is welcome to Employee Assistance Services (EAS) at no cost. Call the toll free number at 1-800-268-7708, or via this link; http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/contact/vac-assistance-service
RCMP Veterans / former employees are also welcome to contact Mr. Len Meilleur, Acting National Coordinator, Support for Operational Stress Injuries (SOSI), RCMP at 250-380-6101
RCMP Veterans’ Association will continue to liaise closely with RCMP respecting this matter, and will monitor reports to identify and report any subsequent details for the knowledge of our members.
