From:

To;
CC:
Date:
Subject:

BERNOTIES, Ray(Ray BERNOTIES)

HARTL, Brad
RIDEOUT, Wayne
2012-04-20 09:09

Webster

Before letter goes out, can we talk about who will take media calls on this. We have lines prepared but
need to ensure vre agree on who should speak. Perhaps one of our Doctors would be appropriate?

From:
To:
Date:
Subject
Attachments:

Judy LEPAGE
BOWvIAN, Roland; DEBRUYCKERE, Kevin
2011-12-07 12:45
Webster letter of complaint
Webster letter - Nov 2011doc

Hi Kevin,
I have attached the letter of complaint that Roland and I have composed. Please review it and let us kno\ /
if there are any changes or additions you would like. I still need to include the supporting documents, but

wi|litemizeandincludethemwhenwehaveafinaldraft.C
Judy

Judy Le Page, Ph.D., R. Psych.

Regional Psychologist
Occupational Health & Safety
RCMP Pacific Region

Ph: 604-2M-2778
Cell:778-828-2937

Fax:604-264-2432

http://infoweb.rcmp-grc.gc.calpacificregion/branches/hrlohslhealthiproviders.htm
This electronic mail message is intended only for the use of the party(ies) to whom it is addressed. This
message may contain information that is confidential or privileged. Any use of the information by anyone
other than the intended recipient(s) is prohibited. lf you receive this message in enor, please notiff the
sender immediately and delete both the original message and all copies.

Ce courrier Electronique est rdserv6 l'usage des personnes auxquelles il s'adresse. Ce message peut
contenir de l'information prot6g6e ou confidentielle. Toute utilisation de l'information par des personnes
autres que celles auxquelles il s'adresse est interdite. Si vous avez regu ce message par erreur, veuillez
en aviser immOdiatement l'exp6diteur et ddtruisez le message original ainsi que les copies.

"As doctors, it is important for us to abide by the standards and practices in place for our
profession. As health care professionals with the RCMP, it is important that the primary
consideration driving our actions be our employees' health and wellness", says Dr. lsabelle
Fieschi, BC RCMP Health Services.

The most important thing for us, and quite frankly for taxpayers, is to get our employees healthy
and returned to work as soon as possible. We have to ensure tax dollars are going to those
services that can accomplish that in the most effective way, and to those who are putting the
needs of our employees ahead of any personal agenda they may have.
RCMP policy requires our regional psychologist to periodically review our list of authorized
service providers and verify a number of things, including that they are:
f in good standing with the respective professionalgoverning body;
2. maintaining ethical conduct and high professional standards in the services provided
to members;
3. charging fees within the limits established by the appropriate provincial/federal body;

4.

and

has performed acceptably in previous work with members, e.g. Satisfactory reports,
reasonable waiting period for appointments, terminate treatment when there is little
chance of progress.

We have added and removed other care providers in the past and will continue to do so as we
strive to provide access to the best possible health care and clinical staff for our employees
Having a list of recommended psychologists is simply good business practice for any employer
We have to ensure that our employees are receiving the best possible care for the funding we
provide.

We are committed to providing assistance to members who make the transition to a funded
psychologist. Please understand that members are free to continue to access the services of
any psychologist; however if the psychologist of their choosing is not on our recommended list
of funded service providers they will simply be responsible for the full payment of all of his/her
fees
The priority for us though is to get our employees helpful treatment from an impartial service
provider that shares our goal of getting them back to work.
Released by.
C/Supt. Brad Hartl
BC RCMP Human Resource Officer

Prepaied'bv:
Sgt. Rob Vermeulen, Sr. Media Relations Officer - E Div Comm Services
Dawn Roberts, AlSr. Communications Strategist - E Div Comm Services
Pagc 4

of5

APPROVED
APPROVED

Reviewed bv:
Dr. lsabelle Fieschi, Health Services
Supt. Ray Bernoties, OIC E Div Comm Services
Supt. Paul Darbyshire, OIC Employee and Management Relations

,APPROVED
APPROVED

APPROVED

Approved bv:
C/Supt. Brad Hartl, HRO E Division
Deputy Commr. Craig Callens, Commanding Officer of E Division

APPROVED
APPROVED

lnformation cbpibJ:
National Communications

Page 5

of5

ilr
*

From:

to:

Bob. Paulson

Date:

2012-06-25 5:26 PM
Re: Bill C-42

Subject:

rcm p-grc. gc.ca;

Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

----Original Message---From : "Bob Paulson' <Bob.Paulson

rcmp-grc. gc.ca>

Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:58:10

To: <
Subject: Re: BillC-42

What number are you at?

Bob Paulson, Commissioner-commissaire
RCMP-GHC

----Original Message--From:

To: Paulson, Bob <Bob.Paulson

To:

Sent 06/25/2012

rcmp-grc.gc.ca>

16:51 :13

Subject: Re: Bill C-42

Ok.

'

Thanks lor your time.

---Original Message-----

From: Bob Paulson

To:
SubjecL Be: BillC-42
Sent: Jun 25,2012 13:41

No but he has gone nuts

Bob Paulson, Commissioner-commissaire
RCMP-GRC

---Original Message--From
To: Paulson, Bob <Bob. Paulson

rcmp-grc. gc.ca>

Sent: 06/2512012 16:28:31

subject: He: Billc-42
Sir,

asked.

I will do as you have

I know Dr. Webster
has been very critical ol the organization over the yars but, at one fioint in time, he was the go to guy for
crisis intervention in situations like Gustavson Lake and Waco Texas.

l'm sure he wasn't thought of as being a nut then.

Original Message ---From: "Bob Paulson" <Bob.Paulson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>
To:
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2012 1:20:05 PM

---

PaEel"fif

l-

Brad HARTL - Confirmation - Commissioner Review

From:
To:
Dater
Subject:
CC:

Steven Dunn

Attachments:

Dr.Webster

HANSEN, Tammie

2012-08-02 09:31

Confirmation - Commissioner Review

HARTL, Brad

Tammie,
The Commissioner has read the draft materials and is satisfied. Thank you for arranging this review.
Regards,
Steve Dunn

fi1e://C:\Documents ana

Setting

,,,,U

Ilage I ol

Brad HARTL - Fwd: As discussed.

ffi-_

From:

Abe Townsend
Dubeau, Daniel
2012-07-26 04 58
Fwd. As discussed
Subject:
Attachments: As discussed.

To:
Date:

Feelfree to share with the Bob and Brad H.

Abe

llle://C :\Docurrents anct S

-,il

20i2-12-18

Page

Craig

celuxs

From:
To;
Date:
Subject:
CC:

I of I

- Dr. Webster

Brad HARTL
Dunn, Steven
2012-08-01 16:49
Dr. Webster

Ray; CALLENS, Craig; KARR, Lois; Lavoie, Daniel; ROBERTS,...

- Letter #1_1_1_2.docx; WEBSTER - Letter #2_1_1_1.doc; WEBSTER - Letter
#3-1-.1-1.docx; #4 Progress Reports_1_1_3_1_1.pdf; #5 Media Statements about RCMP
Clients-1-1-1-1-1.doc<; Webster - Mention of clients_July 2012_3,1*1_-1.pdf; Health
BERNOTIES,

Attachments:

WEBSTER

Services Comms Plan

final 1

1.doc

Steven,
Please find attached, for the Commissioner's review, a series of draft documenE related to Dr. Mike Webster.
This matter has been discussed between the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Callens.

'

Attachment #1 - letter from the E Division Human Resources Officer to the BC College of Psychologists outlining
concerns pertaining to the services provided by Dr. Webster.
Attachment #2 - letter form the ffircer in Charge E Division Occupational Health and Safety to Dr. Webster
advising the RCMP will no longer provide funding for his psychological services to RCMP members.
Attachment #3 - letter from E Division Occupational Health and Safety to RCMP members cunently receiving
services from Dr. webster advising funding for his services is being terminated.
Attachment #4 'vetted examples of clinical progress reporE submitted by Dr. Webster to E Division Health
Services.

Atbachment #5 - examples of media statements attributed to Dr. Webster.

Attachment #6 - examples of media statement attributed to Dr. Webstet,
Attachment #7

' opy of the E Division communicaUons plan pertaining to Dr. Webster.

Please contact me if you have any questbns.

Brad

Brad Haftl, Chief Superintendent

Human Resources fficer
Pacific Region

5255 Heather Street

Van@uver, B.C. VsZ 1K6

B:604-264-2136
Email: brad.hartl@rcmd-orc.oc.ca

file://C:\Documents and

S"ttinC

201*02-lA

Pagc I

of

ATIPB - Re: Dr, Webeter

From:
To:
Date:

2012-08-01 18:01

Subjectl

Re: Dr. Webster

CC:

isabelle Fieschi
Fieschi, Isabelle; KARR, Lois

Darbyshire, Paul; SCHWARTZ, Maxine

Hi LoiS,

Sorry for not getting backto you sooner. For some reason your message never came through
to me and Maxine
just sent it.
I am fine with a "quote" from me but would make some minor changes:

my name is Fieschi, not Sieschi

- " As doctors, it is important for u1 abide by the standards and practices in place
for our profession. As
!o
health care profssionals with the-RCMP, it is important that the primary consideration
orivinb ow aaions be our
employees' health and wellness". I think that's more grammaticaily correct and also I don't w-ant
the word
treatment in there for us since we don't provide treatment.
Thanks
Isabelle
>>> Lois KARR 2012-08-01 12:39 >>>

Hilsabelle,
See attached a draft communication plan regarding Dr. Webster. On page 3 under proposed
release the CO
would like a quote from you if you.feel it is appropriate. Below is just a iraft from media, feel free
to change the
quote as you see fit. We are scheduled to send the entire Webster package to
the Commr. this afternoon for

approval,

"As a doctor it is important fo-r-us to abide by the standards and practices in place for
our profession. As a health
care professional with the RCMP it is important that our actions bnd treatment be driven by the employees
health and wellness", says Dr. lsabelle sieschi, Bc RcMp Health services.
Thanks
Lois

Illc.//C.\I)ocullcnts and t.utu,

20 I 3-{)2-l I

ATIPB

From:

ATIPB

Reply Requested:

BY 2013-02-15

>>> Ray BERNOTIES 2012-0348 08:53 >>>

I think we need to exptaini bit rnor" in the letter, otherwise, I fear that we will appear to

be simply cutting him

off because he speaks poorly about us.

My thoughts are that:

- it would

be Sood

to know his record of getting our members back to work versus dher Psychologists.

- have we complained to the college of physicians - was anything said in those complaints
that may be useable in the

letter'

and his
- why do we feel that him speaking negatively about the RCMP dversety impacts our members'health
on that
opin'on
good
medical
have
to
be
it
would
ability to return them to work - wnip it seems common sense,
of some kind.
Ray

>>>

Maxine SCHWARTZ 20t2'03'07 16:12 >>>

Paul and Ray,

please find attached the draft letters that we intend on sending to Dr. Mike webster and his present and past
that they now be reviewed by
clients. fiese letters nave been reviewed by Les Rose and he has recommended
Force'
proceedings
the
with
legal
with
OO: m many of the members are involved
Paul - for your review and direction.
Thank you,
Maxine

Insp. Maxine SchwarE, OIC

Pacific Region Occupational Health & Safety
Phone 604-26,4-2386
Fax 604-26#38214
Cell 604-802-0536
Visit our websitel

Fit for Duty, Fit for Life, Fit for Retirement!

"This electronic mail message'rs intended only for the use d the
party(ies) to whom it is addressed. This message may contain
infoimation that is privileged or confidential. Any use of the
information by anyone other than the intended recipient(s) is

filc./iC.\Doctttucnts

20 I 3-()2-

J
t-1

"E" Division Occupational Health Service Analysis - Dr. MichaelWebster

PURPOSE:

To inform the the HRO and EMRO of a situation involving ethical and clinical concerns with'respect
to a psychologist providing services to RCMP members and to make recommendations regarding the
best response.
BACKGROUND:
Dr. Michael Webster is a registered psychologist who practices in the lower mainland and Vancouver

lsland. Dr. Webster has provided psychological services to RCMP employees for more than twenty
years. Currently 15 members RCMP members see him for counseling or psychotherapy. Pacific
Region Occupational Health and Safety ("Health Services") has been concerned for a period of time
with the service provided by Dr. Webster and has arrived at thg opinion that this service does not
constitute the most appropriate treatment for RCMP members. The Regional Psychologists and Health
Services Officers in the Division are concerned with the lack of objectivity displayed by Dr. Webster
in his clinical work and the substandard care he provides to the members. As a result, Pacific Region
Occupational Health and Safety has lost confidence in Dr. Webste/s ability to provide unbiased care,
focusing on effective treatment for RCMP members.

ISSUE:

The issue is whether the RCMP should terminate all funding for psychological services provided by
Dr. Webster and to submit a letter detailing the concerns to the College of Psychologists of British
Columbia.
Questions that have been raised are:
1) What is the risk to patient if Dr. Webster no longer provides care?

2) What is the risk if Dr. Webster continues to treat RCMP members and new patients/members use
his services?
These questions will be answered in the Assessment portion of this memorandum.
Health Services has prepared an action plan to inform Dr. Webster and affected members. This plan
is to ensure as orderly a transition as possible of members to othercare providers. lf a member decides
to continue seeing Dr. Webster they can but they will have to pay for his services. lt is recognized
many of these members who are Dr. Webstefs clients, are in conflict with the Force and some are in
an emotionally fragile/vulnerable condition. ln addition, most of these clients are very attached to
Dr. Webster and as result it is anticipated thq Deputy Commissioner will almost certainly receive
complaints/concerns from affected members. lt is also anticipated that Dr- Webster will go to the
media with this decision, which will result in further negative media attention.
ASSESSMENT:
It is in the best long-term interests of the Force and the affected members to terminate the financial
relationship between the Force and Dr. Webster. The "E" Division clinicalteams believe the termination
of Dr. Webster's services will result in members receiving more effective care.

rr

rD

RISKS:

Suicide - Although none of the members identified as clients of Dr. Webster have been
assessed as suicide risks, this is a possibility since some of them are emotionally fragile and
unstable. There is no specific mitigation forthis risk although all member's medical files will be
reviewed for suicide risk as part of our action plan.

2.

Deterioration of Medical Condition - Some members may experience a deterioration in their

medical condition following termination of the therapeutic relationship however, some members
who change to other care providers may experience improvement in their condition. Thus,
there is an equal chance that members'medical conditionswill improve, given that Dr. Webster
often provides little encouragement or coping skills for the members to move forward with their
lives and theirworkwith the Force. Members will be provided with the information on altemative
care providers in their area of work.
Continue Care / New Patients - lf members or new patients are treated or continue care with
Dr. Webster, the clinical team advises this will detrimental to the member's health anc
member's return to

duty.

4.

Adverse Publicitv - Dr. Webster and the affected members may contact the media regarding

the decision. E Division Communications has been consulted and a communication plan will
be developed as part of the action plan.
4.

Leqal Action - Members and/or Dr. Webster may proceed with legal action. The Department of
Justice will be consulted as part of the action plan. Recently in a similar case, Mr. Les Rose
provided the legal opinion that the Force was within our rights to terminate the relationship with
a care provider (psychologist). No member will be disenfranchised from proper psychological
care, and every affected member may continue to receive therapy from Dr. Carmichael at his
or her own exoense or may continue therapy with a new provider at Force expense.

5.

Grievances - Grievances are likely to be filed over the decision of Health Services and will be
dealt with accordingly.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

1.

Letter to Dr. Webster advising him of termination of funding and requesting he assist members
with transition to other care providers.

2.

Letter to members advising them of decision to terminate funding and offering assistance in
locating alternative care providers.

3.

Letter to College of Psychologists of B.C. from the HRO advising of our concems.

oRrGrML_PREPAREp BY.

Maxine Schwartz. Insp.

OIC Occupational Health & Safety
"E" Division

APPROVED BY:
Supt. Paul Darbyshire
OIC Employee & Management Relations Section

DATE: 2012-7-12