RCMP commissioner retiring this summer
Posted March 6, 2017 8:10 am.
Last Updated March 6, 2017 8:55 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – The top Mountie says he is going to step down at the end of June.
RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson says he believes the time has come to focus more on his family after spending 32 years with the force, the last five as the top cop.
In a message to the members, Paulson says it is a profound honour and privilege to serve with them. He adds the RCMP still has issues it must deal with, including historical, yet persistent, harassment claims and mental health concerns for its employees.
Conservative Public Safety Critic Tony Clement says Paulson’s successor will face a challenge in dealing with internal issues. “Obviously, harassment within the ranks has a big a issue. And he made strides to address that issue. I would say more needs to be done.”
Paulson also points to safety and training questions arising from the murder of Mounties in Moncton in 2014. On June 6th of that year, 24-year-old Justin Bourque stocked the city and shot and killed three officers and seriously injuring two others.
The tough list of issues will land on his successor’s desk and make for what Paulson calls a busy and challenging spring.
