A Mountie who claimed systemic discrimination in the workplace and now says she is being forced out of the RCMP believes the police force is struggling with conflict resolution and just want to get rid of complainers.
Cpl. Catherine Galliford, who has been on sick leave since 2006, filed a civil suit against the RCMP two years ago alleging sexual harassment and bullying over the course of her 20 years with the force.
Galliford says she recently received a letter saying that, because she could no longer perform her duties, the RCMP was seeking to discharge her.
"I think they want to just get rid of the complainers," Galliford told CTV News Channel on Sunday. "I think that's what they are doing with me."
Galliford said that she would like to go back to work, but because she has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder she will never be able to return to her position with the Mounties.
The dismissal process will involve a medical hearing board made up of two or three doctors appointed by the RCMP, as well as one of Galliford's own doctors.
"I think they are moving ahead pretty quickly, I think they want to get rid of the people who are off-duty sick," Galliford said.
Galliford, who was a spokeswoman for high-profile RCMP cases including the investigations of Robert Pickton and the Air India bombings, says she is not sure what her future holds.
"I struggle with multi-tasking and I struggle with short-term memory loss, so until I can heal properly I have no idea what's next," Galliford said.
Galliford says she has spoken to other officers who have complained about being harassed within the RCMP and have also been issued intent-to-discharge letters.
When Galliford filed a civil suit against the RCMP two years ago it prompted legislation to modernize discipline for so-called "bad apples" within the force.
The legislation, entitled "Enhancing RCMP Accountability Act" is currently awaiting royal assent to become law.
With files from The Canadian Press
