RCMP employees who were treated badly for trying to reveal problems in the force's pension fund will be recognized and thanked, Commissioner Bev Busson says.

"I am personally committed to seeing this happen," she said in a news release.

RCMP Comissioner Bev Busson said employees who tried to bring pension fund problems to light will be recognized and thanked.
(CBC)

Busson was responding to a report issued Friday by government-appointed investigator David Brown, which chastised former RCMP commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli and some senior officers for problems with the fund.

The report also denounced the treatment of several officers and a civilian employee who tried to get the problems addressed.

Officers who brought the problems to Zaccardelli's attention "faced career damage," Brown said in the report. He called on the force to recognize the people involved.

Busson thanked Brown in the news release, issued Saturday, and said: "I share Mr. Brown’s respect for RCMP employees and echo his views regarding those who came forward and tenaciously pursued the issues at personal risk."

In his report, Brown named:

• Government employee Denise Revine, who had worked in human resources for 33 years. Her position was declared surplus, and her health and reputation hurt. "Organizational changes were used to silence a person seen as a troublesome employee," Brown wrote.
• Chief Supt. Fraser Macaulay, who brought Revine's concerns to Zaccardelli's attention, and was quickly given a "punishment transfer" to the Department of National Defence.
• Staff Sgt. Mike Frizzell, who followed up on the Ottawa police investigation of the pension problems until he was ordered to stop, and was transferred. 
   

Ron Lewis, a retired RCMP staff sergeant, and Sgt. Steve Walker should also be recognized, Brown said.

Busson, who holds the top RCMP job while the government is seeking a permanent replacement for Zaccardelli, said the force is reviewing Brown's report.

"Mr. Brown’s recommendations are an opportunity for the RCMP to build a stronger organization," she said.

Brown recommended major changes to the RCMP's governance and culture.

Zaccardelli resigned as commissioner in December 2006 after admitting he had given incorrect testimony to a parliamentary committee looking into the Maher Arar affair.