Born: 1966 or 1967
Biography:
Catherine Galliford, born in 1966 or 1967, is a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Corporal in British Columbia, Canada. She gained attention for her significant contributions to the investigation of missing women and for her sexual harassment allegations against the RCMP.
As a spokesperson for the Missing Women’s Task Force, associated with the BC Missing Women Investigation, Galliford played a crucial role in raising awareness about extensive sexual harassment and misconduct within the RCMP. In 2011, she brought forward allegations that officers in the task force neglected their duties, allowing a three-year delay in apprehending serial killer Robert Pickton.
When called to testify before the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, Galliford made it clear that she represented the victims rather than the RCMP itself. She named several individuals, including Rob Nicholson, the Attorney General of Canada, Ian MacDonald, an RCMP doctor, and four officers, in relation to her allegations.
However, just a month before the hearings in 2012, the inquiry deemed Galliford too fragile to testify due to her struggles with alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The RCMP, in response to her accusations, denied them and sought to dismiss her from the force.
In 2013, a trial date was set for Galliford’s case, which was initially scheduled for 2015 but later delayed to 2017. Alongside her individual lawsuit, a class action lawsuit was also pursued, with four hundred female police officers joining it, inspired by Galliford’s courage. She became a prominent figure in the fight against sexual harassment and the empowerment of women within the police force.
In May 2016, Galliford dropped her complaint against Dr. Ian MacDonald and accepted a settlement from the other defendants. Subsequently, she was given a medical discharge from the RCMP. Throughout her career, Galliford’s dedication to justice and her perseverance in highlighting systemic issues made a lasting impact on the RCMP and the larger law enforcement community.
Personal life has also played a role in Galliford’s story. She has a son with her former husband, Darren Campbell, who served as a sergeant major for the RCMP. Their son, Connor Campbell, faced legal trouble when he was arrested in September 2015, along with two others, for the murder of a 19-year-old Langley resident named Nicholas Hannon. Connor Campbell was convicted in November 2016 and has maintained contact with Galliford, calling her every day since his life sentence began. Due to her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and agoraphobia, Galliford was unable to attend her son’s sentencing. She expressed feelings of guilt, knowing that her experiences may have influenced his trust issues with the RCMP. However, she affirmed her belief that she was a good parent and emphasized the complexities of parenthood.
Through her resilience and determination, Galliford has left an indelible mark on the fight against sexual harassment and the pursuit of justice. Her story exemplifies the challenges faced by those who speak out against powerful institutions and the lasting effects it can have on both personal and professional lives.