Changes introduced to RCMP Act to give top Mountie more discipline powers

OTTAWA – The federal government is giving the RCMP commissioner greater powers to discipline or even fire people who give the force a bad name.

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews says there is too much red tape in the current process for weeding out wrongdoers.

Toews announced proposed changes today that he says will untie Commissioner Bob Paulson’s hands as he looks into complaints.

Several female RCMP officers have come forward since Cpl. Catherine Galliford went public in November with allegations of harassment within the force in British Columbia.

Men have also complained of abusive behaviour and intimidation.

Paulson, who took over as commissioner late last year, says ridding the force of dark-hearted behaviour is one of his priorities.

He recently expressed frustration about the barriers to doing so.