RCMP inspector, federal and B.C. governments face another harassment lawsuit

VANCOUVER – A civilian employee of the RCMP has filed a B.C. Supreme Court lawsuit alleging that a culture of sexual harassment within the force was so pervasive it couldn’t be stopped.

Atoya Montague’s civil lawsuit names high-profile Insp. Tim Shields as one of several RCMP members who subjected her to on-going harassment and sexual harassment.

The lawsuit alleges Shields made sexual advances towards her while they drove to drop off supplies to victims of B.C.’s wildfires in 2003 and also claims Shields showed her his penis and made similar advances in July 2008.

The lawsuit alleges Shields made regular comments about her breasts, and that a sergeant, staff sergeant and a commissioner at different times made sexually degrading comments about her.

Montague, who’s been on sick leave for two years, claims she has post-traumatic stress disorder and is suing for damages and loss of income and earning capacity.

This is another of several harassment lawsuits filed against the RCMP and none of the allegations have been proven in court.