Head of Trail RCMP detachment says officer's controversial website caused a stir in the ranks - Action News
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British Columbia

Head of Trail RCMP detachment says officer's controversial website caused a stir in the ranks

A Trail, B.C., Mountie'ssatirical website that mocked the prime minister, LGBTQ and Indigenousissues and new immigrants coming to Canada does not reflect the values of diversity and inclusivity that the RCMP stands for, according to the head of the detachment where he works.

RCMP officer's website poked fun at prime minister, LGBTQ, Indigenous issues and immigration policy

A man wearing a shirt, tie, and sunglasses holds his hands in a prayer position on a political website mocking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The RCMP is investigating after a police officer in Trail, B.C., launched a satirical political website called the Church of Trudeau, mocking the prime minister and the funding of Indigenous and LGBTQ communities. (churchoftrudeau.org)

A B.C.Mountie'ssatirical website that mocked Prime Minister JustinTrudeau,Indigenousissues and new immigrants coming to Canada caused upset within the RCMP and conflict among his coworkers, according to the head of the Trail detachment.

The controversial website was online last November and Decemberand featured several videos showing RCMP officer Brent Lord dressed in multiple costumes giving theatrical speeches in what appeared to be satirical political commentary.

In an interview with CBC News,Lord's commanding officerSgt. Mike Wicentowichsaid he had discussions with the officer before the website went online and reminded him about the risks of making public political statements as a member of the RCMP.

"As police officers,we have to remain impartial and also have to be inclusive and accept the laws from the government in power and go from there, " he said.

"You have to remind yourself that your personal views if they're in conflict with what you do at work you're free to say it, but it doesn't mean there's not going to be repercussions."

A man in a shirt and tie, wearing a ball cap, is smiling and gesturing towards a poster on a wall of Prime Minister Justine Trudeau with the caption Budgets Balance Themselves.
The Church of Trudeau website was online in November and early December before it was taken down. The officer who created the website has not responded to multiple requests for comment. (churchoftrudeau.org)

The website was up for about a week, according to Wicentowich, who said it contained videos discussing minority groups and women.

Website does not reflect the values of the RCMP

In four videosobtained by CBC, Lord did not identify himself as an RCMP officer.

Lord appeared in multiple costumes, sarcastically praising Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and government funding announcements for First Nations and LGBTQcommunities, as well as mocking the arrival of new immigrants to Canada.

Wicentowich said the views of the off-duty officer did not reflect the valuesof inclusivity and diversity that the Trail RCMPdetachment tries to uphold.

"Staff members are very disappointed in the messaging coming out as it does not reflect who they are, and they do not support the messaging," he said.

"There's obviously some pain there, and we're working through this together as a group."

WATCH | B.C. Mountie's website mocksTrudeau and his government's policies:

B.C. RCMP officer's political website investigated

2 years ago
Duration 1:02
The RCMP is investigating a Trail, B.C., Mountie for a website that mocks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and marginalized communities.

'Administrative options being considered'

In December, Lord was ordered to work from homewhile the RCMP reviewed the matter.

CBCNews repeatedly reached out to Lord for comment, but he has not responded.

"The RCMP, upon learning of the website, acted quickly to have the discriminatory and offensive content taken down as well as address any internal conflict within the affected workplace," said B.C. senior media relations officer Staff Sgt. Kris Clark.

"A fulsome review of the highly unprofessional offending materials was completed, and administrative options are being considered."

Lord has since taken a leave of absence, according toWicentowich.