The head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has voiced strong disapproval of a CBC-backed prank show that targeted RCMP veterans, calling it deeply concerning for their mental well-being.
Commissioner's Statement
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme released a statement Monday saying he is deeply concerned about the show titled Northland Tales, a prank series produced by CBC Entertainment and APTN. Duheme became aware of the program when a female member of the RCMP Veterans' Association reported that she was invited to participate in filming in Vancouver in March, only to discover she had been subjected to a prank.
Since that incident, the RCMP has been working on behalf of the veterans' association and has communicated its concerns directly to CBC. It is our understanding that CBC has put production on hold, Duheme said. He added, I am deeply concerned for the mental health and well-being of the veterans affected by this experience. The force will continue to work with the veterans' association to ensure those impacted have access to appropriate resources.
Union Raises Alarm
The commissioner's statement follows concerns raised by the National Police Federation, a union representing approximately 20,000 active and retired Mounties. Former members have opened up about psychological distress and other injuries from their time with the force. The union warned that a satirical show making light of mental health issues could heighten or worsen the conditions of viewers and those involved.
One former RCMP member revealed in a YouTube video that he was contacted by the show's production under the impression it would focus on how officers transition from Mountie life to civilian life. Upon arriving in Vancouver, he discovered it was a spoof, complete with a fake video of King Charles announcing the dissolution of the Mounties due to historical dealings with First Nations.
Criticism from Veterans' Association
Glen Siegersma, chief administrative officer of the RCMP Veterans Association, expressed bewilderment that anyone would create such a show targeting retired officers. He noted the mental health issues many deal with and how actions like these could trigger those with PTSD. The people doing this are not thinking about the potential impact, he said.
CBC initially defended the show, stating that social experiments and satirical prank shows are a long-established television format used by broadcasters worldwide. In this case, the Indigenous creators are using the format for Northland Tales, the network said. The show's creators claimed their comedic efforts aimed to increase understanding of historical injustices and support truth and reconciliation. Critics, however, argue the show did anything but that.
Production has since been paused in the wake of online backlash over the use of fake names and false pretenses to secure interviews with retired Mounties.
