December 11, 2025
Ottawa, ON – The following is a statement from National Police Federation President and C.E.O., Brian Sauvé, regarding the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) report on their investigation into the events related to and following the death of Robert Dziekanski at YVR airport in 2007.
“We commend the release of this long-awaited OPP report confirming ‘gross mismanagement’ by former senior RCMP leadership following the tragic 2007 incident at Vancouver International Airport. We have initiated a legal review of the findings and will review options for potential action.
First, we must acknowledge the mistreatment, scapegoating, and complete absence of support from the RCMP experienced by the four officers involved. They were thrust into an untenable and highly charged situation that unfolded under intense national scrutiny, and without the basic protections or representation that today’s officers rightly expect and deserve. These Members acted in full accordance with RCMP training, and policies in place at the time; yet they were left to navigate a complex, politicized environment on their own. They have lived under a cloud of uncertainty and profound personal and professional impact ever since.
The OPP’s findings outline multiple instances of severe organizational mismanagement by previous leadership, from “missing” notes and lack of communication to investigative irregularities. The report also points to broader leadership failures allowing or even advancing biased narratives, mishandling or withholding key evidence, and making public statements that inaccurately placed blame or implied discipline. Witnesses further alleged that senior leaders blamed the involved officers for the purpose of protecting the RCMP’s institutional image in response to public pressure.
With the NPF’s certification in 2019, RCMP Members now have strong, professional representation and modern tools such as body worn cameras and clearer operational standards to protect them in high-pressure situations. While nothing the NPF can say or do will erase what they have endured, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensure every NPF Member is shielded from leadership overreach, organizational failings, and unfair public scrutiny. Today’s RCMP policing landscape is fundamentally different.
We are committed to raising these shortcomings directly with RCMP leadership. We recognize the unjust burden placed on these officers and their families, and we remain determined to ensure no Member is ever subjected to such failures again.”
Read the complete report here: https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/opp-report-clears-top-mounties-of-obstruction-around-bc-tasering-death-but-raises-other-concerns/
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information: https://npf-fpn.com/
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