Calgary police officer suing city, police service alleges sexual harassment
By The Canadian Press
CALGARY – A Calgary police officer is suing the city and the police service alleging sexual harassment and intimidation.
Kimberley Prodaniuk has been a member of the Calgary Police Service since 2008 but has been on stress leave for nearly two years.
Her statement of claim includes allegations of sexually-explicit comments made by other police while on duty and during a training course.
The allegations, which also include a claim of derogatory comments made by the Calgary Police Association, have not been proven in court.
Her lawsuit is seeking an undisclosed financial amount for damages.
Organizations that were named as defendants in the lawsuit declined to comment on the specific allegations, although the Calgary Police Association says it will refute the claims.
Brendan Miller, Prodaniuk’s lawyer, says his client has not been able to work as a police officer because of what she has been through.
“It has had a massive impact on her life with respect to her mental well-being.”
The chairman of the Calgary Police Service Commission – the civilian body to which the Calgary Police Service is accountable – said in a statement Friday that the claims in the lawsuit are now before the courts to assess.
“We continue to believe that any form of harassment is unacceptable and should be met with the strongest response possible,” Brian Thiessen said.
