In April 2021, the RCMP retained the services of a third-party environmental consultant BluMetric to perform an analysis and assessment of potential health and safety hazards associated with the Kemptville training facility that was used by RCMP from the late 1980s until 2005. BluMetric examined and validated existing health, safety, and environmental reports of the training facility, catalogued the hazards present at the site, and quantified the potential risk of historical exposures.
While the report concludes that the risks associated with the exposure to each hazardous material ranged from no anticipated risk to low risk, the report does not eliminate the possibility that illnesses and injuries could potentially be linked to past exposures and conditions at this site.
Evaluating Health Risk
Former attendees (active/retired employees) have the option to pursue health-related benefits. Regular and civilian members of the RCMP injured in the course of their duties may be entitled to disability benefits through Veteran's Affairs Canada. Public servants injured in the course of their duties may be entitled to benefits under the Government Employee Compensation Act (GECA). It is important to note that adjudication decisions are based on evidence and are decided on a case-by-case basis.
Facilities Management Framework
I want to emphasize that the health and safety of employees is a top priority for the RCMP. Any potential risks in the workplace are taken seriously. We have extensive policies, operational procedures, training and equipment in place to protect the health, safety and well-being of our employees and the communities we serve, and we continuously seek to improve in these areas. The RCMP is committed to strengthening the Facilities Management framework through enhancing national guidance, clarifying roles and responsibilities and implementing more effective monitoring.
For questions or to access the report,titled Kemptville Training Facility Occupational Hygiene and Health Effects Analysis, please contact Kemptvilletraining_formationKemptville@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Nadine Huggins
Chief Human Resources Officer