BC Judge Denies Request to Seal Documents Alleging RCMP Bullying of Surrey Police

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Kevin Loo believes that court documents outlining alleged bullying and harassment of Surrey Police Service members by the RCMP should not be hidden from the public.

Mr. Loo opted not to seal the material, citing that assertions of both justified and unfounded nature are presented daily in court.

His decision was made during a legal challenge by the City of Surrey against the B.C. Public Safety minister’s directive to proceed with the transition from the RCMP to the municipal Surrey Police Service.

The ministry’s lawyers argued against disclosing the contents of an affidavit submitted by Surrey Police Union president Rick Stewart, which outlines a series of bullying and harassment incidents that could potentially alarm the public about conditions at the Surrey RCMP detachment.

Mr. Stewart’s affidavit alleges that union members have experienced a toxic and hostile environment at the Surrey RCMP detachment, including instances of bullying, discrimination, harassment, and intimidation.

The affidavit makes reference to accompanying “exhibits” containing specific details of complaints by Surrey Police Service members.

The ministry’s legal team tried to prevent the disclosure of these details, but as of Tuesday, the exhibits were not accessible through the B.C. Supreme Court registry.

Surrey RCMP spokesperson Staff Sgt. Kris Clark affirmed in a statement the RCMP’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and respectful work environment free from harassment and discrimination for all employees.

The statement clarified that the Mounties are not involved in the court case and do not possess a copy of the contested affidavit. Mr. Clark emphasized that Surrey RCMP and SPS officers have collaborated at the detachment professionally for over two years.

In a separate issue, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has lodged a complaint with B.C.’s Police Complaints Commissioner, alleging that numerous Surrey Police Service officers withdrew their services to meet with their chief and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth. The Surrey Police Board denies these claims.

According to a letter obtained by Global News, Ms. Locke asserts that the meeting occurred last Wednesday at around 3 p.m. and could have significant repercussions on public safety.

Responding to these allegations, the Surrey Police Board stated that while several officers did attend the meeting with the chief and the solicitor general at the training center, no on-duty officers were ordered to attend or withdrawn from service. The statement emphasized that on-duty officers carried radios and remained available for calls.

The board expressed disbelief that its officers would jeopardize public safety to attend a meeting, deeming such suggestions disrespectful and hurtful.

Deputy Police Complaint Commissioner Andrea Spindler acknowledged being informed of Locke’s complaint through media reports but had not received an official copy by late Tuesday.

She explained that complaints involving service or policy matters related to staffing or resources by municipal police departments are assessed by the office and then referred to police boards responsible for determining the appropriate course of action to address the complaint.