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The former commander of the Sunshine Coast RCMP detachment, north of Vancouver, is the latest member to launch a suit against the force.

Staff Sergeant Kevin Picard has filed court papers in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, claiming unjust dismissal, alleging he was unfairly replaced while on medical leave.

Mr. Picard says he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2005, before his posting to the Sunshine Coast, but the suit claims those symptoms worsened when a special review was launched at his detachment, without his knowledge, while he was on medical leave in early 2009.

The court papers claim that between the launch of the review and Mr. Picard's replacement as detachment commander in early 2011, his email was cut off, he was ordered to return equipment, and personal items were removed from the detachment offices.

Mr. Picard, who has served more than 20 years with the force and remains at a Metro Vancouver detachment, claims that in addition to his deteriorating mental health, he has suffered a loss of reputation and employment prospects.

The RCMP has yet to file a statement of defence, and none of the allegations has been proven in court.

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