In a ruling last month, Federal Court Justice John O’Keefe directed RCMP commissioner Bob Paulson (right) to do as much as he could to ensure Staff Sergeant Walter Boogaard became an inspector. The federal government is now appealing that decision.Blair Gable/Reuters
The federal government is appealing a judge's decision that it was "unreasonable" for the top Mountie to deny a staff sergeant's bid for promotion because of a long-settled allegation of misconduct.
In a ruling last month, Federal Court Justice John O'Keefe directed RCMP commissioner Bob Paulson to do as much as he could to ensure Staff Sergeant Walter Boogaard became an inspector.
Staff Sgt. Boogaard, 51, has been unsuccessful in advancing due to an episode 14 years ago in which his gun was stolen by two women.
The women said Boogaard had picked them up and was trying to buy sex from one when the other nicked the firearm – a version of events the veteran Mountie denies.
Boogaard's account – that the gun was stolen from his vehicle – was accepted when the matter was addressed by the national police force at the time.
In documents filed with the Federal Court of Appeal, the government – acting on the RCMP's behalf – argues Justice O'Keefe was mistaken in his findings and asks that the judge's ruling be set aside. It is also asking that costs of the appeal and the lower court hearing be awarded to the government.