RCMP issues latest denial in string of harassment lawsuits

VANCOUVER – The RCMP has issued its latest denial in a series of harassment lawsuits filed by female Mounties.

The latest case involves Const. Karen Katz, who has launched two lawsuits — the first alleging years of harassment and abuse by one of her colleagues, and a second alleging widespread harassment and abuse throughout her career on the force.

The RCMP already issued a statement of defence earlier this year denying the allegations in her first lawsuit, and now the Mounties have filed a statement of defence in Katz’s second lawsuit.

In her second lawsuit, filed in July, Katz alleged she was harassed, bullied and sexually harassed by various colleagues and superiors from when she joined the force in 1988 until she went on sick leave in 2009.

But the federal government has denied all of her allegations in a statement of defence filed last week, suggesting Katz should have launched a formal grievance if she had concerns that needed to be addressed.

Several female Mounties have filed lawsuits in the past year claiming they have been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted on the job, including one who is attempting to launch a class-action case in B.C.