Assistant Commissioner Roger Brown, head of the RCMP in New Brunswick, addresses reporters on Friday, October 31, 2014. The RCMP has been charged with four labour code violations related to the shooting deaths of three officers.Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press
Nearly a year after three RCMP officers were murdered in Moncton by a lone gunman, the police force has been charged with four labour code violations in relation to the incident.
The Employment and Social Development Canada investigation alleges there were violations of the code relating to the force's equipment, training and supervision in the June 4 case that terrorized the New Brunswick city.
Justin Bourque murdered constables Doug Larche, Fabrice Gevaudan and Dave Ross, and constables Eric Dubois and Darlene Goguen were wounded in the young man's rampage through the city's north end.
Mr. Bourque was sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 75 years in October after pleading guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.
An RCMP review of the shootings said officers responding to the shootings faced a litany of problems that included communicating accurate information, accessing high-powered weaponry and securing protective equipment.
Mr. Bourque used a semi-automatic rifle to shoot the five officers in the city, and set off a 30-hour manhunt that drew in officers from around the region.
He was not looking to shoot civilians. In fact, at one point he came across a resident on the street and said: "Don't worry, I'm not out to kill civilians, I'm only after government officials." And he was hoping that his actions would encourage others to follow – he said he "felt accomplishment" for what he did.
Commissioner Bob Paulson said the police force is considering the substance of the labour code charges and reviewing what actions it will take.
"The safety of our employees in doing this dangerous job, protecting the public, is always our priority," he said in the news release.
"As our honour roll sadly confirms, there has always been – and sadly always will continue to be – deadly threats to officers."
He said further comment is inappropriate as the matter is before the courts.
A spokesman for Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney said in an e-mail that the department is pleased the RCMP is acting on a series of recommendations made in the review completed by former assistant commissioner Alphonse MacNeil into the shooting.
"Our government has full confidence in the RCMP to enforce the laws of Canada and keep Canadians safe," wrote Jeremy Laurin, Mr. Blaney's press secretary.
Mr. MacNeil's review, released in January, said Mr. Bourque was at a total advantage as he was armed with semi-automatic weapons while the officers were carrying pistols.
"The tactical advantages are overwhelming in favour of Bourque," the review said.