The RCMP has been charged under Canada’s labour code in relation to the 2014 shooting spree in Moncton that left three Mounties dead.
In a statement, the RCMP said it has been charged with four counts under the Canada Labour Code, in relation to the events of June 4, 2014. The charges relate to equipment, training and supervision.
They stem from an investigation by Employment and Social Development Canada. The Labour Canada regulator is mandated to conduct a probe when a federal government employee loses his or her life on the job.
In an email to CTV News, a spokesperson from Employment and Social Development Canada said the Public Prosecution Service of Canada recommended that the RCMP be charged for “contravention of occupational health and safety provisions of Part II of the Canada Labour Code.”
Constables Fabrice Gevaudan, Dave Ross and Doug Larche were shot dead as police responded to reports of a man roaming the streets of Moncton carrying a firearm.
Constables Eric Dubois and Darlene Goguen were injured during the shooting rampage.
Justin Bourque was later arrested and charged in the shootings. He pleaded guilty last August to three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Bourque was sentenced to serve 75 years in prison before he will be eligible to apply for parole.
“There has always been – and sadly will continue to be – deadly threats to police officers,” RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson said in the statement. “The safety of our employees in doing this dangerous job, protecting the public, is always our priority.”
The RCMP said it was reviewing the charges, but would not comment further as the matter is before the courts.
A review of the fatal RCMP shootings released earlier this year said that officers responding to the shootings faced several problems relating to communication, and access to high-powered weaponry and protective equipment.
A spokesperson for the minister of public safety said in a brief statement Thursday that the RCMP commissioned a report into the incident and is acting on those recommendations.
“Our government has full confidence in the RCMP to enforce the laws of Canada and keep Canadians safe,” said Jeremy Laurin, press secretary for the office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
