Wally Oppal “outraged” over harassment allegations at inquiry workplace
An independent investigation is being launched into allegations of harassment and sexist remarks in the Robert Pickton commission workplace, inquiry head Wally Oppal has announced.
A recent National Post article details complaints about offensive comments and inappropriate behaviour reported by five anonymous former commission staff members.
In a media statement today (April 4), Commissioner Oppal said he first learned about the allegations on Friday and immediately moved to launch an independent investigation. Vancouver lawyer Delayne Sartison, QC, is leading the probe.
“I am outraged by these anonymous allegations and I take them very seriously,” Oppal said in the statement.
He said no formal complaints have been made related to the allegations. He also said he is in the commission office almost daily and has not personally heard any such complaints.
“The behaviour described in the allegations in the article goes against everything I stand for as a human being and as the Commissioner of this Inquiry,” he said.
Oppal said there is no tolerance for the type of conduct described in the newspaper article.
“No one should ever be made to feel disrespected, demeaned, or harassed in the workplace or in their personal lives. That is unacceptable behaviour.”
Oppal said the new controversy will not prevent the commission from continuing its work.
The provincial missing and murdered women inquiry is looking into how police investigated the case of serial killer Robert Pickton. A final report is due by the end of June.
Comments
3 Comments
JamieLee
Apr 4, 2012 at 11:25am
I am upset hearing about these serious allegations. My experience testifying at the Inquiry and my dealings with the staff was a positive one. The Inquiry staff were at all times courteous, respectful, friendly and professional. In fact on one Sunday Ms Maggie Devries and myself had a day long working session from noon until 10 pm at night with the staff. Mr Oppal was in the office that day as well and came by and chatted with me. He put me completely at ease with his respectful manner. Mr Oppal also ordered us in Chinese food for our dinner and this was really appreciated. I also want to say that Mr Vertlieb and Karey Brooks, senior Commission lawyers went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and if any issues arose for us they were always there lending a sympathetic ear.
Taxpayers R Us
Apr 5, 2012 at 12:11pm
It's probably the "women's" (feminist) groups that are making the allegations. They've been well known to falsify and exaggerate anything to do with harassment, assault, etc. In this case, they didn't get to golddig public funding, so who knows what lengths they'll go to in revenge.
I got mine Jack
Apr 7, 2012 at 12:32am
Its the same outrage he met the disappearing women with for the last 2 decades. Not to mention the outrage he sincerely feels at the women who are going missing right now.