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Public confidence in Canada’s national police force has dropped “significantly” over the past five years, according to a new poll conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of Postmedia News and Global Television.

While a solid majority of Canadians believe RCMP officers treat the public fairly and equitably, they hold a dimmer view of how the force treats its own employees.

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Less than two-thirds of Canadians believe the force can resolve issues surrounding alleged harassment of women officers, the pollster reported.

“I think the headline is ‘Another Annus Horribilis’ when it comes to public opinion. There has been no improvement,” said John Wright, senior vice-president of Ipsos Reid. “This is our brand to the world, and yet they don’t seem to be able to get it right in our own country.”

A spokeswoman for Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said Monday that the government’s proposed Enhanced RCMP Accountability Act, introduced in 2012, will help to restore pride in the force.