Jessica, a two-decade veteran of the RCMP who started as an IT specialist, encountered distressing incidents of harassment leading to stress leave in 2011. She faced unwelcome advances, including groping and unwanted kissing from a supervisor, which escalated into bullying and intimidation when she rejected him. Despite her love for the job, the negative atmosphere persisted for years, causing her to keep her experiences hidden even from her closest confidants.
Inspired by the #MeToo movement and encouraged by the growing number of women speaking out against harassment, Jessica recently decided to reveal her ordeal within the RCMP. She is among many women seeking compensation for gender discrimination and sexual harassment within the organization.
In response to the widespread allegations, the RCMP issued a formal apology to female members in 2016 and pledged to enhance anti-harassment measures as part of a settlement from two class-action lawsuits. The settlement, the first of its kind in Canada, set aside $100 million for compensation, with a deadline for filing claims set in February.
Lawyers handling the influx of claims anticipate a significant increase in the number of claimants, with around 2,400 current claims and expectations of reaching 3,000 to 4,000 by the conclusion of the process. The evolving societal conversation surrounding harassment, exemplified by movements like #MeToo and the exposure of high-profile cases, has empowered more women to confront and share their experiences.
While many women within the RCMP have long feared reprisals for speaking out, the surge in claims covers a spectrum of workplace injustices, from verbal abuse to assault. Up to 20,000 women who served in the RCMP from 1974 to 2017 are eligible to file claims, with half of the current submissions coming from current RCMP employees.
As the deadline for filing approaches, lawyers are requesting a 100-day extension to accommodate the processing of claims, acknowledging the emotional toll the process can take on the claimants, some of whom are grappling with PTSD. The federal government has assured that the compensation fund is flexible and will be adjusted as needed to meet the obligations of the settlement.
For Jessica, seeking recognition through the claim process is a step towards healing from the traumatic experiences that disrupted her career trajectory within the RCMP. The quest for acknowledgment goes beyond monetary compensation, aiming to address the long-suppressed emotional repercussions of the harassment she endured.