The RCMP has once again attracted the attention of the media
with the news that RCMP S/Sgt. Caroline O’Farrell is suing the RCMP for issues
related to sexual harassment and abuse. These alleged incidents apparently happened
between 1986-87. Why has O’Farrell waited over 25 years to initiate this legal
action? The $8+million lawsuit claims her career was compromised. Having
attained the rank of S/Sgt it may be a challenge to prove that point.
As far as the allegations are concerned, there are probably many
RCMP members that will attest they may have endured similar hazing traditions,
including her claim of ‘horse troughing”. While today’s environment does not
condone that type of conduct, the RCMP of 30+ years ago reacted in a less
severe tone to those activities. O’Farrell ought to have known when she applied
for the Musical Ride that she was breaking down the last RCMP bastion of male
dominance. She would have been very naive to think that they would have rolled
out the red carpet for her and even more immature to expect that she would be immune
from hazing traditions. Years ago, there were many RCMP members that were subjected
to group administered sanctions that would be unacceptable today. Even though
some of those less than memorable experiences may have upset some members, they
let go and moved on.
From my perspective, it would appear that O’Farrell may be
trying to apply today’s standard of intolerance to events that happened decades
ago and under entirely different circumstances. The timing and motivation is
highly questionable.
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