Catherine Galliford, a former spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) who became known for her allegations of sexual harassment within the force, has died at the age of 58. Galliford passed away from liver cancer on Friday in Kamloops, British Columbia, as confirmed by friends and former colleagues Janet Merlo and Cheryl Jarvis.

Galliford gained prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s, serving as a corporal and representing the RCMP during significant cases, including the Air India bombing trial and the investigation into serial killer Robert Pickton. In 2011, she publicly revealed her experiences of long-term sexual harassment, claiming it spanned two decades and resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and agoraphobia.

Her revelations led to a lawsuit against the RCMP, which was settled in 2016. This lawsuit inspired a wave of similar civil suits from other officers, prompting a broader examination of the culture within the RCMP. Merlo, who was a lead plaintiff in one of those suits, credited Galliford with encouraging others to speak out. "It was Catherine's interview that encouraged the rest of us to speak up and find our voices," Merlo stated. "She was the inspiration."

Jarvis, who also experienced harassment while serving, emphasized Galliford's compassion and courage. "I am truly hoping, in her memory, that torch is passed to those that are working now, that she gives them the strength to stand up and say, 'It is still going on,'" Jarvis said.

Galliford was born on December 28, 1966, and grew up in the Vancouver area before moving to Prince George, B.C. She utilized her journalism background in her role as a media spokesperson for the RCMP. Alongside Merlo and Jarvis, she graduated from the RCMP academy in 1991.

Despite her high-profile role, Galliford later expressed her struggles with PTSD and agoraphobia due to her treatment within the force. In a 2011 interview, she recounted instances of harassment, stating, "If I had a dime for every time one of my bosses asked me to sit on his lap, I'd be on a yacht in the Bahamas right now."

In May 2012, Galliford filed a civil suit against multiple individuals, including four officers and an RCMP doctor. Although the suit was settled, she reported losing her job and home as a result of her decision to go public. Merlo noted that the stress from her experiences likely contributed to Galliford's cancer diagnosis. "It broke my heart that her whole life was torn to shreds for nothing more than telling the truth," Merlo said.

Both Merlo and Jarvis hope that Galliford's legacy will encourage current RCMP members to speak out against ongoing issues of harassment. "In Catherine's name and in Catherine's memory, you have to find your voice and go public with this," Merlo urged.