HALIFAX -- A former Mountie suffering from PTSD after multiple postings in isolated, high risk communities has filed a lawsuit against the federal government.
In a statement of claim filed in Federal Court in Halifax, a lawyer says John Christopher Bewsher was exposed to "psychologically traumatic events" in Labrador and Nunavut and received no psychological evaluation, support or counselling.
The claim says Bewsher was posted to the northern communities despite a psychological test early in his career that concluded an isolated post presented a risk to him, and further testing that showed he exhibited signs of "mild to moderate psychological dysfunction."
Bewsher, who was medically discharged in February, is suing Ottawa as well as a doctor and a psychologist who worked for the RCMP for failing to disclose the results of psychological testing, which he claims deprived him of the opportunity to make informed decisions about his career with the national police force.
He is seeking damages for pain and suffering, loss of past and future employment income and benefits, and loss of future pension.
In a statement of defence, the federal government is calling for the lawsuit to be dismissed.
The Crown notes that there was no indication that Bewsher was experiencing psychological problems, and he repeatedly reported enjoying his work in the north.
In addition, the Crown says RCMP members can access psychological services at all times.
