RCMP tweaks statement, defusing feud with Parliament Hill security guards

A reworded news release appears to have ended an argument between the RCMP and the union representing Parliament Hill security guards.

The Security Services Employees Association (SSEA) said Wednesday it is "satisfied" with a revised release issued by the Mounties about an upcoming ceremony to honour those who showed bravery during last year's deadly attack on Parliament Hill.

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The original announcement brought a sharp rebuke from SSEA president Roch Lapensee because it referred to the six House of Commons security guards who will be honoured as "civilians."

The RCMP acknowledged the mistake, rewrote the release and said the error stemmed from the fact that it has two categories of bravery commendations one for its own members and one for civilians.

"There was no intent to devalue the bravery and extraordinary work,"the Mounties said.

The SSEA said it was satisfied with the change in a brief statement on Wednesday.

The union made no mention of a related criticismraised by Lapensee, who alsoaccused the RCMP of unfairly downplaying the security guards' accomplishments during the Parliament Hill attack.

The private ceremony will be held Nov. 23 at RCMPheadquarters in Ottawa.