TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Linda Davidson is bringing a proposed national class action on behalf of current and former female Royal Canadian Mounted Police members against the RCMP alleging sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination.
The action, Davidson v. Canada, alleges that the RCMP's negligent failures - particularly at the leadership level - have created a toxic work environment for its female RCMP members across the country, causing serious psychological injuries and limiting their career advancements.
Ms. Davidson, the proposed representative plaintiff in the action, served with the RCMP from 1985 to 2012, including as an Inspector in the Prime Minister's Protection Detail. One of the first commissioned female officers and a rising star in the force, Ms. Davidson had an illustrious career with the RCMP until her PTSD forced her to take an early retirement in 2012. Ms. Davidson alleges that she was subjected to near constant harassment on the basis of her gender throughout her career and at multiple stationings across Canada, causing her PTSD and curtailing her career.
A 2013 Standing Committee of the Canadian Senate noted a serious issue of harassment within the RCMP, and a requirement that the force "undergo a cultural transformation." In 2012, Commissioner Paulson stated that the RCMP has a "culture of harassment", which he pledged to address, yet as recently as this week ongoing sexual harassment issues within the RCMP continue to garner headlines nationwide.
The two-day certification motion will commence on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 10:00 before Justice Perell. After the hearing on Monday, at 4:30 pm plaintiff's counsel will hold a press conference in front of Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen Street West, Toronto.
Kim Orr Barristers is a leading Canadian class actions law firm acting for a broad range of clients.
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