Women allege that RCMP doctor used his authority to sexually assault them in 1980s
Women were new RCMP recruits undergoing medical examinations
Three women are alleging that they were sexually assaulted as new RCMP recruits in the 1980s, by the doctor who performed their medical examinations.
The doctor, John A. Macdougall, examined hundreds of new recruits to Canada's national police force, among them Helen Henderson, Sylvie Corriveau and Vicki Gravelle.
Corriveau alleged that when Macdougall examined her, he "was using his authority for his sexual gratification."
He gave her a vaginal exam without using gloves, she said, while telling her "he had the last say in whether or not we had a job."
The women complained to RCMP bosses, Toronto police and medical regulators at the time, but say the entire affair was "swept under the carpet."
At the time, Macdougall denied any mistreatment of the women.
Nearly three decades later, amid the #MeToo movement, the women pushed for the case to be reopened by Toronto police, who have since interviewed dozens of additional complainants.
According to Macdougall's lawyer, the former doctor is in his mid-80s, has dementia and is currently living with around-the clock care. A lawyer for Macdougall and his family declined CBC's requests for comment.
Henderson, Corriveau and Gravelle are going public for the first time by telling their story to the CBC's Dave Seglins.
He spoke to The Current's Anna Maria Tremonti about the case. Listen to their discussion above.
Produced by Dave Seglins and Rachel Houlihan.