RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson has apologized to hundreds of current and former female officers and employees for alleged incidents of bullying, discrimination and harassment.
Paulson made the abject apology as he announced a settlement of two class-action lawsuits stemming from the harassment allegations, which date back to September 1974.
Paulson did not immediately disclose the terms of the settlement, which will provide financial compensation for the women and pave the way to end potential class-action lawsuits brought forward by former RCMP members Janet Merlo and Linda Davidson.
Paulson was joined at the news conference by the plaintiffs, as well as Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale and Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk.
Hundreds of former and serving female Mounties and civilian members have said they were victims of harassment, bullying and assault dating back to when women first joined the force.
The settlement likely marks the beginning of the end a difficult episode in the force's history, one that has haunted Paulson's tenure as commissioner.