The Thursday news briefing: An at-a-glance survey of some top stories
Highlights from the news file for Thursday, Oct. 6
RCMP COMMISSIONER APOLOGIZES: RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson apologized Thursday to hundreds of current and former female officers and employees who were subjected to alleged incidents of bullying, discrimination and harassment dating back 42 years. Paulson made the apology as he announced a settlement of two class-action lawsuits stemming from the harassment allegations, some of which date back to September 1974. “To all the women, I stand humbly before you today and solemnly offer our sincere apology,” Paulson said. Paulson did not immediately disclose the terms of the settlement, which will provide financial compensation for the women and pave the way to end potential class-action lawsuits brought forward by former RCMP members Janet Merlo and Linda Gillis Davidson.
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CANADIAN ADVISORS IN IRAQ SEEING ACTION: A senior military officer says Canadian special forces troops are spending more time on the front lines in Iraq and have engaged in a number of gunfights with Islamic insurgents. Brig.-Gen. Peter Dawe, deputy commander of the special forces, says the additional time on the front lines is a result of Kurdish allies needing less training. Dawe says in recent months his soldiers are helping and mentoring the Kurds as they launch attacks against forces from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Dawe says Canadian troops have fired back on a number of instances either to protect themselves or friendly forces. Canada has about 200 special forces soldiers helping Kurdish forces fight ISIL in northern Iraq.