What’s Current: RCMP apologizes, puts aside $100M for victims of harassment and sexual abuse

RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson, and plaintiffs Janet Merlo, centre, and Linda Davidson. (Image: CBC)
RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson, and plaintiffs Janet Merlo, centre, and Linda Davidson. (Image: CBC)

The RCMP has delivered an apology to female officers and civilian members who suffered harassment, discrimination, and sexual abuse in the force. The federal government has put aside $100 million for compensation. RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson teared up as he apologized and praised the women for their courage during a news conference in Ottawa:

“To all the women who have been impacted by the force’s failure to have protected your experience at work, and on behalf of every leader, supervisor or manager, every commissioner, I stand humbly before you today and solemnly offer our sincere apology.

You came to the RCMP wanting to personally contribute to your community and we failed you. We hurt you. For that, I’m truly sorry.”

Media expresses shock that champion pole vaulter ingested cocaine; does not give any shits that he exploited a prostituted woman.

Trump was recorded describing his predatory behaviour towards women about three months after her married Melania, in 2005. Via The Washington Post:

“‘And when you’re a star they let you do it,’ Trump says. ‘You can do anything.’

‘Whatever you want,’ says another voice, apparently [Billy Bush of “Access Hollywood.”]

‘Grab them by the p—y,’ Trump says. ‘You can do anything.'”

Oh good! Just what we need: a brand new show featuring gratuitous sexualized violence against women. Can’t get enough of that!

Tell the Canadian government that we do not punish abuse survivors for the actions they take when their lives are threatened.

Meghan Murphy

Founder & Editor

Meghan Murphy is a freelance writer and journalist from Vancouver, BC. She has been podcasting and writing about feminism since 2010 and has published work in numerous national and international publications, including The Spectator, UnHerd, Quillette, the CBC, New Statesman, Vice, Al Jazeera, The Globe and Mail, and more. Meghan completed a Masters degree in the department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University in 2012 and is now exiled in Mexico with her very photogenic dog.