Statement From RCMP Commanding Officer And Zofia Cisowski
By 250 News
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 10:33 PM
The following is a statement from Deputy Commissioner Gary Bass and a separate statement from Zofia Cisowski regarding the public release of an email today.
Recent email correspondence between myself and others concerning the settlement with Zofia Cisowski and my public apology to her on April 1st have raised concerns.
One of the emails stated that the RCMP was not apologizing for the actions of specific members.
This email was in response to concerns from an RCMP Staff Relations Representative and it has now been taken out of its intended context.
It was agreed in advance by Mrs. Cisowski, her counsel, and myself that the RCMP would not be apologizing for the specific actions of the four officers with the intent to not undermine or prejudge the outcome of the Braidwood Inquiry.
The actual words I used at the news conference were, “I want to apologize for our role in the tragic death of your son.” This was a heartfelt and sincere apology which I made to Mrs. Cisowski both privately and publicly. I continue to hold this sentiment as well as a sense of deep regret for the RCMP’s role in the death of Robert Dziekanski.
My hope is that the changes made to policy and training by the RCMP since this tragedy will prevent a similar incident from occurring again.
D/Commr. Gary Bass
Commanding Officer
RCMP E Division
I wish to discuss the apology given to me by Gary Bass.
D/Commr. Gary Bass
Commanding Officer
RCMP E Division
I wish to discuss the apology given to me by Gary Bass.
At the news conference, I said that I accept the apology given by the RCMP. I believe that Deputy Commissioner Bass truly meant that apology and that the RCMP is sorry for my son’s death. Before the news conference, we talked about the wording of the apology and we all agreed to what would be said.
I still believe and appreciate the RCMP apology for the loss of my son.
Zofia Cisowski
June 16, 2010 7:00 PM
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An apology may be enough for Zofia to move on with life, but for the rest of Canada and the 'rule-of-law' it fails the test of a country and police service that respects the rights of everyone... the integrity of the police force... in its actions or lack of action to bring about accountibility. By allowing the officers to lie at a inquest to avoid accountability it almost guarantees a repeat performance in the future....