Professor adds voice to proposed harassment suit by women against the RCMP

VANCOUVER – A University of Toronto professor is bolstering a proposed class-action lawsuit against the RCMP, saying women who experience gender-based discrimination and harassment can witness their personal and professional well-being spiral downwards.

Prof. Jennifer Berdahl has filed an affidavit in British Columbia Supreme Court as part of a larger court action launched in March 2012 by Janet Merlo, a former member of the RCMP.

Merlo alleges that during her 19-year career with the force, she was subjected to name calling, sexist pranks, and demands for sexual favours.

Her case has yet to be certified and the allegations have yet to be proven in court, although 282 former and current members from nine provinces and three territories have come forward to describe their experiences.

Berdahl says those working in that kind of environment can suffer from impaired concentration, decreased motivation, social rejection, depression and even post-traumatic stress.

She says employers can take steps to protect women employees by providing workers with written guidelines and training and by following provincial health and safety rules and federal human-rights legislation.