Sorry and then some

The RCMP are trying to change.

The top Mountie of all Nova Scotian Mounties apologized for the behaviour of one particular former officer.

On the one hand this apology is incredibly significant. The Mounties could have continued to shrug their shoulders and mumble about “past is past.”

But instead, thanks to the persistence of community members and new leadership at the Digby detachment, the Mounties chose to stand up and admit a mistake was made.

They made it clear that the behaviour of former detachment chief Wylie Grimm was inappropriate, unacceptable and substandard. They also made it clear we deserve better and that they will do their best to give us better service.

What they did not do is admit, at least not in so many words, that there is or ever was a systemic problem of racism in the RCMP. The officers present were all, without exception, at pains to say what a great Force we have, what hard working members we have on that Force, and gosh darn golly gee, things are just swell ain’t they?

Apologies are difficult and anyone who has the guts to stand up and admit a mistake or failing should be applauded. The RCMP came a long way in the view of many people with this apology.

What’s more, the apology is not the end of the story. The Mounties, at least judging by the words of the commanders present, seem committed to making sure there is no tolerance for racism anywhere anyhow in the RCMP.

They have set up both a provincial advisory board and a Digby area advisory board to help deal with complaints of racism and other inappropriate behaviour. And their diversity manager Corp. Craig Smith will be training Mounties all across the province and maybe all across Canada, how to leave any prejudicial “baggage” at the door.

The Mounties didn’t say there was a Force-wide problem. But obviously, they wouldn’t be taking these steps to correct a problem if there were no problem.

The community members present at last week’s meeting accepted graciously and warmly the Mounties apology. The words the Mounties didn’t speak won’t be missed so long as they keep the promises they made and remain committed to change. - JR