THE RCMP has filed a statement of defence denying allegations of harassment from Cpl. Catherine Galliford - and accusing her of being an alcoholic.

Galliford, a high-profile Mountie, filed a lawsuit this spring in B.C. Supreme Court, claiming she was subjected to "persistent and ongoing sexual harassment" throughout her RCMP career.

The claim included allegations that superiors and fellow officers subjected her to demeaning treatment when she worked at the North Vancouver detachment in the 1990s.

Galliford alleged that while she was posted to the North Vancouver RCMP detachment, a photo spread referred to as a "Beaver Gallery" that included centerfolds from Penthouse and Hustler magazines was posted in a cell guard's office.

She also claimed when she was first posted to North Vancouver, she was assigned a partner who yelled at her that she was "stupid or retarded."

In its denial, the RCMP did not comment directly on the claims involving North Vancouver. But it denied that any of the allegations are true.

The Mounties said Galliford never filed any complaints or grievances about the allegations while she was still on duty.

"If (Galliford) had concerns about conflict, harassment or intimidation in the workplace or by other members or officers at any time, she was obliged and had opportunities to make a complaint," the RCMP stated.

According to the statement of defence, in 2004 and 2005, the RCMP became concerned about Galliford's alcohol abuse and had her sign a "relapse prevention" agreement.

Despite that, she continued to drink and failed to attend alcohol treatment, according to the statement of defence.

The statement also disputed that she has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

In prior media interviews, Galliford said she turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with the harassment.

jseyd@nsnews.com

• E-mail this Article
• Print this Article
• Share this Article

• *
• *
• *
• *
• *

• *
• *
• *
• *

RCMP officer Catherine Galliford

Photograph by: photo Vancouver Sun, for North Shore News

• E-mail this Gallery
• Print this Gallery
• Share this Gallery