Skip to content

Hearing begins on case against alleged RCMP abuse of women

Female officers, employees want B.C. Supreme Court to certify a class action lawsuit
98791BCLN2007RCMPredserge-ES-7web
Allegations of harassment against women in the RCMP are the subject of a class action certification hearing this week in B.C. Supreme Court.

Women who say they were harassed and discriminated against during their service with the RCMP are in B.C. Supreme Court this week attempting to certify a class action lawsuit against the force.

The certification hearing began Monday and the proposed class action would include 362 current and former officers and civilian employees across the country.

The case was launched in 2012 by Janet Merlo, a 19-year officer with the Nanaimo RCMP who was among the first officers to go public with allegations.

Lawyer David Klein said the common thread among the complainants is harassment, bullying and discrimination over an extended period of time.

More women would be able to join the case if a judge agrees there was a systemic problem and certifies the class action.