$100M settlement reached in harassment, discrimination class action lawsuit against RCMP
Posted July 8, 2019 9:06 am.
Last Updated July 8, 2019 9:26 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Women who suffered through harassment or discrimination while working or volunteering for the RCMP could be eligible for a cash settlement after a class action suit against the Mounties was certified on July 5.
Klein Lawyers LLP, the Vancouver law firm representing the plaintiffs, says the settlement is an “acknowledgement of the pain experienced by women who were subjected to harassment and sexual assault” during their time doing civilian work with the RCMP.
The accusations date back to Sept. 1974 and individual settlements could range from $10,000 to $220,000.
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Angela Bespflug, lead counsel for the case, says “no amount of money can compensate these women for the harms that they’ve endured, but the settlement gives a voice to their experiences” and is a reminder that they’re not alone.
“Each plaintiff opens herself up to public scrutiny and shared her deeply personal story. And I think that takes its toll,” Bespflug says.
She anticipates about 1,500 women will come forward. “Women across the country who worked in these RCMP-controlled workplaces are entitled to make claims for compensation under this settlement.”
The $100 million deal still needs to be approved by the federal court, with a hearing scheduled for Oct. 17.
