MPPAC calls for resignation of RCMP Commissioner following privacy breach

OTTAWA, Feb. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - The Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada (MPPAC) is calling for the resignation of the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Bob Paulson, following an investigation from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada which found that the release of RCMP members medical information was a "well-founded serious privacy breach." Commissioner Paulson admitted that he authorized the investigation.

"We know that Prime Minister Trudeau has committed to Canadians that they are a transparent and accountable government and we believe that they will make the proper changes to restore our RCMP so that it is greater than it ever was," said MPPAC's President Rae Banwarie who met with Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale last year regarding making positive changes to the force.

Just this week Commissioner Paulson admitted to authorizing the release of sensitive health information of RCMP officers to the College of Psychologists without their permission.

Canada's Federal Privacy Commissioner concluded that by sharing private medical information without the consent of the officers, the RCMP breached the Privacy Act - A Federal Act of Parliament. If the Commissioner does not resign, MPPAC is calling on the Government of Canada to take appropriate action.

"Canadians do expect professional and exemplary conduct from their national police service, which starts with leadership at the top," said MPPAC spokesperson Rob Creasser.  "Under this current leadership, members are afraid to come forward with their complaints for fear their jobs will be put at risk under the Enhancing RCMP Accountability Act. Why is there not a Code of Conduct investigation in this case? Does the Act not apply here?'

Another shocking revelation this week came when the Commissioner could not explain why an individual facing harassment complaints is leading up an investigation about inappropriate behaviour at the Canadian Police College.

The RCMP has repeatedly failed in the effective handling of member harassment and grievance complaints as all processes under this new act are not independent of management control.

MPPAC is encouraging RCMP members to email their concerns and issues to national@mppac.ca. All members' identity, issues and concerns will remain fully confidential.

MPPAC has been successfully fighting for the right to engage in collective bargaining as the independent association on behalf of RCMP regular and civilian members across Canada. The Government of Canada now has until May 16, 2016, to pass legislation that will grant collective bargaining rights to RCMP members, based on the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling last year.

To learn more, visit www.mppac.ca.

SOURCE Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada

For further information: Rob Creasser, Media Relations, Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada, T: (250) 371-1071, E: national@mppac.ca