MONCTON, N.B. — The RCMP has pleaded not guilty to four charges of Labour Code violations stemming from the force's response to a 2014 shooting rampage in Moncton, N.B.
Employment and Social Development Canada alleges there were four violations of the code relating to the force's equipment, training and supervision in the June 4, 2014 incident that resulted in the deaths of three Mounties.
Justin Bourque was sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 75 years after pleading guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada recommended last year that the RCMP be prosecuted for contravention of occupational health and safety provisions.
The RCMP had been expected to enter pleas and set a trial date during a court appearance in Moncton last month, but defence lawyer Ian Carter says the Crown and defence needed more time to discuss narrowing the issues in the case.
Both sides had previously asked for more time in what they described as a complex case during a court appearance in January.
