View From the Legislature

This past Tuesday was recognized in Manitoba and in other provinces as RCMP Appreciation Day. It is an annual day that is set aside to thank the men and women of Canada’s national police force. While there are many different police forces in Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police hold a very historical and recognizable place in the history of our country. In fact, the red serge uniform and the RCMP musical ride have not just a national recognition, but an international one as well.

The way in which policing has evolved in Canada since 1867 is a product both of its vast territory and the division of constitutional responsibilities. The Dominion Police, as they were known in 1867, was a force that essentially guarded the Parliament buildings in Ottawa. As provinces entered the federation of Canada, they took on responsibility for policing in their own jurisdiction. However, the North-West Mounted Police were created by an act of Parliament to allow policing in the Northwest Territories in 1873. This is often considered the origins of today’s RCMP and is why it is preparing to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2023.

By 1919 policing in Canada was dispersed enough that the federal government looked to create a new policing system to conduct federal policing across Canada. Legislation came into effect in 1920, officially creating the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. By 1950, all Canadian provinces were utilizing the RCMP for provincial policing except for Ontario and Quebec who employed their own provincial police forces.

Today in provinces like Manitoba, there are municipal forces in cities such as Winnipeg and Brandon as well as some smaller centres. In addition, there is First Nations policing in some areas. The RCMP however remain the backbone of law enforcement and investigation for much of Manitoba, including the City of Steinbach.

This past week I had the opportunity to meet with the Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP Headquarters “D” Division in Winnipeg, Jane MacLatchy, to thank her for the difficult work that the men and women of the force do everyday. Policing a province as large and diverse as Manitoba is not an easy task and often, they are required to do very difficult and emotional duties. In fact just this week RCMP in Moose Lake rushed into a burning house and saved the life of a five year old boy.

The RCMP is a historical institution that is working to ensure that its culture and operations fit and are respectful of today’s society. The RCMP and the federal government have stated their commitment to taking better care of their employees and treating all those that they serve with dignity and respect, in a way that helps build trust and confidence.

RCMP Appreciation Day is a special day to recognize the members of the RCMP and offer gratitude for the difficult work they do in protecting communities. And everyday we thank the men and women of the various police forces who are working together to create safe and welcoming communities for all our residents.