(CBC) The RCMP has reversed its policy on mask-wearing after being accused of discrimination over the rule, which saw bearded Mounties — including Sikh and Muslim officers — reassigned to desk duty.
The policy, which was condemned by both activists and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, required front-line officers to wear properly fitted N95 respirator masks — something that isn’t always possible for RCMP members who wear beards for religious reasons.
In a statement Thursday, the chief human resources officer for the RCMP said that, following a risk assessment by commanding officers, “impacted bearded members across Canada may [now] return to operational duties” with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
