You will want to pay attention to a new legal battle involving the local police force. A former Saint John police officer is taking legal action against the city police board. Samantha McInnis filed a lawsuit this week claiming breach of contract, retaliatory conduct, and misfeasance in public office. She alleges the retaliation stems from a conduct complaint she filed against Chief Robert Bruce last year.

According to a report from CBC News, McInnis is the first of nine officers who filed complaints against the chief to launch a lawsuit.

Details of the Alleged Retaliation

McInnis previously served as a superintendent and executive officer to the chief. In her statement of claim, she says the board breached its duty of good faith. She holds the board vicariously liable for the actions of Chief Bruce and other employees.

The court document outlines several instances of alleged retaliation. McInnis claims the force filed a bad faith criminal complaint against her while she was on medical leave. This complaint accused her of unsafely storing her firearm and vest in her office. She states her gear was locked in cabinets inside her secure office and notes no charges were laid. She alleges Chief Bruce called the RCMP a month after learning about her conduct complaint against him.

Other alleged retaliatory actions include threatening legal action, pursuing arbitrary Police Act proceedings, and threatening her pension and insurance benefits. She also claims the force appealed her WorkSafe benefits and issued unfounded negative performance reviews.

Resignation and Constructive Dismissal Claims

McInnis says she faced a demotion to the rank of inspector shortly after joining the force. She went on medical leave a few months later. By February 2026, she felt she could no longer tolerate the working conditions and resigned.

Despite her resignation, McInnis argues she experienced constructive dismissal. She claims the board and the chief continued to harass her by contacting her new employer and professional references to make disparaging remarks.

She is seeking general, aggravated, and special damages for lost wages, pension, and benefits. She also wants punitive damages to deter similar behavior in the future.

The Board and Chief Respond

None of the allegations have been tested in court. Chief Bruce is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit and did not respond to interview requests.

Lawyer Jamie Eddy represents the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners. He told CBC News the board has not yet been served with the lawsuit. He stated, “Once they are formally served and have had the opportunity to thoroughly review the allegations, we will provide a response at that time.”

Background on the Officer Complaints

This lawsuit follows a broader conflict within the Saint John Police Force. Last year, nine members filed conduct complaints against Chief Bruce. Eight of those officers are now seeking a judicial review after the police board and the New Brunswick Police Commission dismissed their complaints about a toxic work environment.

The board partially dismissed McInnis and her initial complaint. An investigator confirmed some of her allegations but found no evidence of a toxic work environment. Chief Bruce previously stated the complaints are union attacks timed with contract negotiations. The Saint John Police Association denies this claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Samantha McInnis suing?

Samantha McInnis is suing the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners.

What are the main allegations in the lawsuit?

She alleges breach of contract, retaliatory conduct, and misfeasance in public office following a conduct complaint she made against Chief Robert Bruce.

What specific retaliatory actions does she claim occurred?

She claims the force filed a bad faith criminal complaint against her, threatened her pension and benefits, and made disparaging remarks to her new employer after she resigned.

Has the police board responded to the lawsuit?

A lawyer for the board stated they have not yet been served with the legal documents and will respond after reviewing the formal allegations.

Are other officers involved in disputes with the chief?

Yes. Nine officers filed conduct complaints against the chief last year. Eight of them are currently seeking a judicial review after their complaints were dismissed.