Kelowna cop shop a ‘poisoned workplace‘

By CHUCK POULSEN Tuesday, April 10, 2007 http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=38469

Kelowna RCMP say they strive to create an harassment-free environment, but wouldn‘t comment further Tuesday on allegations that the detachment was a “poisoned workplace” that allowed sexism to run rampant. The allegations have been made in affidavits by Const. Glenda Valair, who joined the Kelowna detachment in 1993. In the affidavits, Valair, who is now in Ottawa, stated: “I am a senior female member of the RCMP. My career aspirations are now finished. “I was targeted at the detachment (in Kelowna) and blackballed because I spoke out about the exclusion of women from the plainclothes unit of the detachment. “Other members of the detachment went out of their way to make a spectacle out of sitting near me, and laughing at others who did. An individual actually got up and moved away from me. “I hope that the workplace problems arising from my having made the harassment complaint against a commissioned officer would end with the transfer (from Kelowna to Ottawa), but the harassment continues.” Reached in Ottawa Tuesday, Valair said she is on medical leave and declined further comment. She transferred from Kelowna to Ottawa in 2005.

She said in the documents that the worst of the treatment she allegedly received on the job culminated just before 2001. The RCMP has been in the news over allegations that the bosses obstructed investigations into a scandal involving the force‘s pension fund. There have also been accusations of sexual harassment, punitive transfers and disguised discipline against those fighting to form a union. Kelowna RCMP spokeswoman Julie Rattee said Valair‘s allegations are part of an application that is now before the courts and she couldn‘t comment directly on them. “As the RCMP is currently in the process of finalizing court documents in relation to the application, it would be inappropriate for us to discuss allegations raised in the affidavits filed to support that application,” said Rattee. She added: “From a general perspective, I can tell you that the RCMP continues to strive towards a work force of excellence that is inclusive and respectful of all employees and has internal procedures in place to address any issues or complaints in this regard. “The RCMP has policies which are reflective of the Government of Canada‘s commitment to promote a work environment free from harassment and discrimination.”