"A third report that exposes the RCMP’s failure to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for employees led the public safety minister Tuesday to contradict Canada’s top Mountie on what ails the iconic police force.
It came after
Federal Auditor General Michael Ferguson released an audit that found
the RCMP failed to allocate enough money and staff to implement a mental
health strategy it rolled out in May 2014.
'There’s
a good strategy on paper, but the challenge is to actually make that
work,' said Ferguson, whose audit directly ties mental health issues to
operational effectiveness.
'This audit is
important because poor mental health has a direct impact on the
well-being of members, their colleagues and their families. Left
unmanaged and unsupported, mental health issues can lead to increased
absenteeism, workplace conflict, high turnover, low productivity, and
increased use of disability and health benefits.'
'Ultimately, members’ poor mental health affects the RCMP’s capacity to serve and protect Canadians.'”