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Second RCMP civilian worker claims harassment

Communications section the focus of allegations involving a senior officer
Signs and exterior of the Vancouver Law Courts. - stock photos

Nearly a year after allegations of sexual harassment were filed against a high-profile RCMP inspector who lives in White Rock, a second woman has accused the officer of sexual assault.

The latest claim against Tim Shields – a former spokesman for the RCMP – was filed in B.C. Supreme Court on July 10 by Anitra Singh. She is described in the documents as a senior communications advisor for the RCMP E Division who reported indirectly to Shields, who was at the time in charge of E Division’s strategic communications section.

The claim – which also names the Attorney General of Canada as a defendant – alleges that Shields sexually harassed and assaulted Singh both physically and verbally from 2009 to 2011; that he “misused and/or abused his position of trust and/or authority and rank over the plaintiff.”

The court documents cite damages including chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, concentration difficulties and depression. Singh is seeking compensation, including for loss of income, past and future medical costs, loss of earning capacity, as well as punitive and special damages.

Shields has yet to file a response to a similar claim filed by Atoya Montague in August 2013.

Montague – who was also a civilian member of the RCMP’s B.C. communications services – alleged Shields made unwanted sexual advances to her starting in 2003. In her claim, she states the actions were in a context of “persistent and ongoing” sexual harassment practised by male officers with whom her job called for her to be in contact.

Montague went on medical leave in August 2011.

After her claim was filed, senior RCMP officials termed the allegations “uncorroborated and unsubstantiated.”

None have been proven in court.