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.