The RCMP’s apology to the mother of Robert Dziekanski has come under scrutiny after internal emails leading up the April 1, 2010 were released to the public Wednesday.
In one email, RCMP deputy commission Gary Bass seems to go to great lengths to clarify his upcoming apology to Zofia Cisowski isn’t an admission of wrongdoing.
“Even though the word ‘apology’ worries some, we are not apologizing for the actions of specific members or saying anything about specific actions,” Bass wrote to Brian Roach, a staff relations representative at the force, March 31, 2010. “I am apologizing for the loss of her son.”
The Mounties’ public image was battered by the Dziekanski incident at the Vancouver International Airport and several members wanted to make sure the apology, and announcement of an out-of-court settlement with Cisowski, looked just right.
“My only ‘contrary opinion’ in all this is why you would not stand together when this is made with the media present,” wrote RCMP assistant commissioner Al MacIntyre to Bass March 17. “I think hearing you say it in front of her will demonstrate the compassion/caring/acceptance of responsibility and to seal it with a handshake/respectful embrace would be appropriate.”
British Columbia Solicitor General and Attorney General Michael de Jong announced Wednesday that Thomas Braidwood’s final report on the death of Robert Dziekanski will be made public Friday.
Matt Kieltyka reports for 24 Hours Vancouver.
4
Login or register to post comments
freebear
1 year ago
Sickening!
Protecting their asses right up to paying off the victim's mom!
The RCMP are an embarassment now!
morechatter
1 year ago
The RCMP are a sorry lot
You would think anyways as after a lengthy injury the best the organization can come up with is sorry we're caught.
DPL
1 year ago
The horsemen are never
The horsemen are never wrong. How do we know? Just ask them
chevy
1 year ago
time to let this go
we need to move on from this issue. A mother lost her son in a very public manner. When the report comes out, we will be able to review and speak more and after that, we should let the man's soul rest in peace and let his mother receive closure and some spiritual relief. There are still police officers which go out day in and day out and are there to genuinely help people, let us not forget that. We need to move on from this.