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atlasveterans.ca/thriving-study-rcmp
Thriving after service: The prevalence and predictors of flourishing among military and RCMP Veterans
Principal Investigators: André Lauzon, PhD and Adelina Gregory
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The Quarterly (ISSN:1714-7034) is published by the Quarterly Business Trust every winter, spring, summer and fall. The opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the RCMP or the RCMP Veterans’ Association. Cover design and contents are copyrighted and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Publication Mail Agreement Number 40041830.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
C/Supt. Al Rivard (Rtd.) CHAIRPERSON
Insp. Tom Abernethy (Rtd.) TREASURER
Supt. Lucie Dubois (Rtd.)
Cpl. Ralph Mahar (Rtd.)
C/S/M Elaine Maisonneuve
EDITORIAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Jennifer LeJeune CHAIRPERSON
Insp. Tom Abernethy (Rtd.) MEMBER
S/Sgt. Ted Sisk (Rtd.) MEMBER
Tanya Baglole EDITOR
Mark Gaillard FORCE HISTORIAN
EDITORIAL STAFF
Tanya Baglole EDITOR
Vincent Pellicano CIRCULATION MANAGER
Diane Couturier TRANSLATOR
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Adriann Kennedy B DIVISION
Kim Atkinson-Marcoux C DIVISION
Robert Cyrenne D DIVISION DEPOT DIVISION
Doug Koski E DIVISION
Mandy Maier F DIVISION
Julie Plourde G DIVISION
Brianna LeBlanc H DIVISION
NHQ DIVISION
Jennifer LeJeune J DIVISION
Fraser Logan K DIVISION
Scott Ferris L DIVISION M DIVISION
Jean Turner O DIVISION
Sgt. George Henrie V DIVISION
EDITOR
Telephone: (613) 993-3780
e-mail: thequarterlyeditor@gmail.com
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The Quarterly est également publié en français sous le titre la Trimestrielle
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Royal Canadian Mounted Police Gendarmerie royale du Canada
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FROM THE EDITOR
TANYA BAGLOLE Editor, the Quarterly thequarterlyeditor@gmail.com
IIT’S SUMMER AGAIN and we have some great stories for you to read and enjoy.
We celebrate the 20th anniversary of B.C.’s Lower Mainland District Integrated Emergency Response Team, which in 2025 managed more than 400 files. Some specialized capabilities of the response team are tactical medics, use of advanced technology, marine intervention, and aerial extraction.
We have a story about what you experience when you step into the atrium of D Div. Headquarters in Winnipeg. Your eyes are drawn to a quiet, understated display: a leather-bound book, opened to a page marked for the day, listing the names of RCMP members who have passed away. Each name represents a life of service, a family, and a story. This is the “Book of Memory,” a tradition unique to D Div. and much of its legacy is thanks to S/M Bettina Schaible. We also have the story of Lance Rayner, a constable in 1978 stationed in Snowdrift (now Lutselk'e) Detachment, N.W.T. He and
another constable were tasked with traveling to the crash site of a nuclear-powered Soviet spy satellite, more than 200 km east of Snowdrift. The RCMP officers had to get there and wait until Canadian and American military personnel could arrive and proceed with the retrieval and recovery of the satellite. Cst. Rayner could never have guessed how the nature of that call would change his life.
We also check in with the RCMP Musical Ride, and chat with Sgt. Marie-Helene Bernier and Public Service Employee Lesley Newland at the Packenham Breeding Farm outside Ottawa. Their work is advancing the Force’s approach to birthing and breeding those black beauties.
Finally, we sit down with Insp. Pierre Bélanger (Rtd.), who shares his more than 50 years of serving with the RCMP, first as a regular member for 34 years, and, since 2010, as a volunteer chaplain with the RCMP and RCMP Veterans’ Association.
A gentle reminder that we still need our cherished readers to register to receive their online issue as we are completely digital now. You can visit the Quarterly to do this or reach out via email at thequarterly@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Please keep your operational news, historical retrospectives, photos (minimum 300 dpi as JPEGs), birth and marriage announcements coming. While we can’t print all submissions, each one is read and considered.
Sincerely,
FOR OTHERS FOR 20 YEARS:
20th anniversary of the Lower Mainland District Integrated Emergency Response Team
By BC RCMP Communication Services
LMD IERT traverse a wake in a rigid-hull inflatable boat.
Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team members hold a position in a narrow hallway during an indoor training scenario.
LMD IERT Members practice at a snowy outdoor shooting range.
WHAT BEGAN AS
RCMP officers working extra duties on different part-time teams to attend dynamic, high-risk calls for service throughout the Lower Mainland, has grown into the largest team of its kind in the country.
Twenty years ago, April 4, 2006, marked the first official day of operations for the first RCMP crew of full-time Emergency Response operators in the Lower Mainland.
Prior to 2006, the RCMP detachments in the Lower Mainland were operating a number of Emergency Response Teams (ERT) in the region. Between 2014 and 2024, there was staggered amalgamation with municipal policing partners in the region through the integrated model for specialized policing. Lower Mainland District Integrated Emergency Response Team (LMD IERT) was the first full-time, contract policing integrated ERT in the RCMP and since it’s creation, the full-time model has been applied throughout Canada.
training time and ensure they’re ready to operate at the highest level of tactical competency in any environment.
LMD IERT is comprised of police officers from the RCMP and municipal policing agencies, serving the 28 Lower Mainland municipalities policed by the RCMP as well as Abbotsford Police Department, Delta Police Department, New Westminster Police Department, Port Moody Police Department and Surrey Police Service. Additionally, LMD IERT supports the Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP).
The creation of the full-time unit in the Lower Mainland provided officers with the time and opportunity to strengthen their skills and develop a professional program to meet the standards required for being an ERT.
LMD IERT has continued to see an increase in files since 2006, attending over 400 files in 2025. Additionally, the call complexity has increased, requiring members to increase
Over the past 20 years, LMD IERT members have contributed to the evolution of the program at a local, divisional and national level. LMD IERT has shared best practices in high-risk operations with police forces nationally and internationally. Members of the unit are trained in numerous speciality profiles, giving the team the ability to deploy highly specialized, experienced operators to where they are needed most.
“LMD IERT has continued to drive innovation, evolving to meet the needs of modern policing,” says C/Supt. Bert Ferreira, Officer in Charge of the Lower Mainland District Integrated Teams. “Through leadership, innovation and relationships built with our partners, their impact on our integrated model of specialized policing is integral to maintaining public safety. As we look ahead, our focus remains on adapting, leading and serving our communities.”
As the team has developed, they have driven innovation and created new pathways for greater effectiveness. Some specialized capabilities include tactical medics, use of
Southeast District, North District and Island District
currently have fulltime ERT teams.
welfare and security of their communities above their own. A strong foundation of teamwork, accountability and leadership are vitally important to our operational success when working towards resolving a situation,” continues Insp. Buscholl.
Attending calls with the highest threat and level of complexity requires approaching this work with great care and a clear understanding of the inherent risks.
advanced technology, marine intervention, aerial extraction, and Armoured Rescue Vehicles. The unit has embedded members of the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service (LMD IPDS) and deploys with Crisis Negotiators, in addition to working in a coordinated manner with numerous policing partners throughout the LMD.
All ERT members are trained on skills including aircraft interventions, active threat response, hostage rescue, high-risk searches and arrests, rural operations, resolving incidents involving armed and barricaded persons, support for public order events, and VIP protection duties.
“To resolve some of the most dangerous situations in the region over the past 20 years, we have had to continually adapt as policing and criminality evolve,” says Insp. Rory Buscholl, Officer-in-Charge of LMD IERT. “Our team is constantly training to ensure that we’re ready for the highest risk situations in any environment. When we deploy to a file, it’s to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including the community and first responders.”
“Every single day that our members deploy to calls for service, they are working with the understanding that they’re putting the
The team's mandate, vision and ethos are displayed on the wall in their command centre. Included in that is the commitment to remain steadfast in the face of adversity, courageous during conflict and disciplined in action. In large font is their team motto, "For others," a daily reminder that the work, challenges and risk associated with the job are in servitude of their communities.
“For over 20 years we have been developing our team into one of the most capable tactical teams in North America,” says Insp. Buscholl. “Every operation and training scenario is debriefed, so we are constantly striving to improve. We rely on numerous police and first responder partnerships throughout the LMD to contribute to community safety and it’s impressive to see their dedication and professionalism.”
“The creation of a full-time team, with police officers from both the RCMP and our municipal partner agencies, creates a strong environment for operations,” adds Insp. Buscholl. “I’ve seen this program grow and adapt to the realities of modern policing. I am incredibly proud of this team and thankful for the support of our many partners, as we celebrate this anniversary.”
Twenty years later, the uniform has changed, the model has evolved, the calls for service have grown more complex, but what’s stayed the same is the team’s guiding principle: For others.
Honouring Those Who Served:
S/M Bettina Schaible and the Legacy of D Division
By Jennifer LeJeune
S/M Bettina Schaible and Civilian Member Crystal Apire.
When you step into the atrium of D Div. Headquarters in Winnipeg, your eyes are drawn to a quiet, understated display: a leather-bound book, opened to a page marked for the day, listing the names of RCMP members who have passed away. Each name represents a life of service, a family, and a story. This is the Book of Memory — a tradition unique to D Div. — and much of its enduring legacy is thanks to S/M Bettina Schaible.
The tradition began in 1990, when the RCMP Veterans’ Wives & Widows Association created the first Book to honour members of D Div., dating back to the earliest days of the North West Mounted Police in 1873. By 2014, the original book had run out of pages, and the names of new members were added only digitally.
S/M Schaible, however, recognized that the tactile, hand-inscribed Book was a vital part of the Division’s history. In 2021, she
took on the challenge of creating a new Book of Memory that would honour the past while preserving space for the future.
“It’s not just about recording names,” explains S/M Schaible. “It’s about preserving the stories of people who dedicated their lives to serving the public and about connecting families to that history.”
S/M Schaible’s motivation for the project was deeply rooted in her own experience.
“I first began thinking about this work after I was asked to read the names of our fallen members at the annual memorial parade in 2018,” she recalls. “I was struck by how many names I did not recognize, despite having spent my entire service in Manitoba. It stayed with me for months, and I realized how easily their stories — and the experiences of the families they left behind — could be lost. I felt strongly that they deserved to be remembered, and that experience became the starting point for this project.”
First display: Assistant Surgeon, Walter Stafford Blood
Working closely with Civilian Member Crystal Apire and a team of local artisans, S/M Schaible oversaw the creation of a new leather-bound book, featuring handcalligraphed names, intricately lasered badges, and a binding designed to last for generations. Over 2,400 names from the original Book, plus hundreds added digitally since 2014, were meticulously inscribed by calligrapher Liat Stitz, ensuring that each member’s service is permanently commemorated.
Local leatherworkers, Chris and Christine Neufeld, crafted the cover with a hand-stained finish reminiscent of the RCMP’s iconic high brown boots, and Chicago screw-style binding allows pages to be added without damaging the integrity of the Book.
The result is both timeless and practical — rooted in history — yet built for the future.
For S/M Schaible, the significance of tradition has always resonated strongly. Born in Germany and raised in Canada, she remembers seeing a Mountie standing beside the judge at her citizenship ceremony at the age of 12 — the first time she had seen the
uniform up close. “It was very inspirational,” she said. Years later, she would step into that same uniform, carrying forward the tradition that had first inspired her.
Over a 28-year career spent serving Manitoba, she experienced firsthand the weight and meaning of that uniform. The work — including years in homicide investigations — was, in her words, “very challenging professionally and personally but deeply, deeply meaningful.” It shaped her understanding of service, sacrifice, and the families who stand behind both.
That understanding is reflected throughout D Div. Headquarters.
S/M Schaible’s commitment to remembrance extended beyond the Book. She also designed memorial cabinets to honour members who died in the line of duty. Each month, a different member’s story is featured through artifacts, photographs, medals, and personal mementos—transforming history from something distant into something tangible and immediate. In her office, a carefully curated sword, crop, and cane rack preserve
Photos of the installation of the display cabinets.
family of a former Sergeant Major who served during the North-West Mounted Police era. Through these efforts, S/M Schaible ensured that D Div. members — past and present — are remembered not simply as names in a ledger, but as individuals whose service shaped the Division and the Force. Families attending the annual November ceremony now see their loved ones’ names beautifully inscribed in the Book of Memory, continuing a tradition of recognition and honour that spans more than 30 years.
- C/S/M Elaine Maisonneuve
By honouring the past with intention and care, S/M Bettina Schaible has strengthened the bridge between generations of service in D Div. Her work ensures that remembrance is not passive — it is visible, tangible, and enduring. And because of that, the stories of those who served will continue to be turned, page by page, for decades to come.
S/M Bettina Schaible
PERSEVERANCE IS KEY
After four years, RCMP veteran's application for disability benefits is finally approved
By Cpl. Ralph Mahar (Rtd.)
CST. LANCE RAYNER was serving in Snowdrift (now Lutselk'e) Detachment, N.W.T., in January 1978 performing general duties, responding to calls for assistance and conducting routine investigations. He could never have guessed the nature of the next call to duty he was assigned by RCMP G Div. HQ in Yellowknife.
On Jan. 24, 1978, a nuclear-powered Soviet spy satellite, known as Cosmos 954, had fallen out of orbit, plummeted to Earth and crashed into the Arctic tundra near Great Slave Lake, more than 200 km east of Snowdrift, present-day Lutselk’e. Cst. Rayner and a fellow officer, Cst. Bob Grinstead from Baker Lake Detachment, were tasked to travel to the crash site to secure the debris field until Canadian and American military personnel could arrive and proceed with the retrieval and recovery.
The Canadian Armed Forces assigned the code name Operation Morning Light to the debris recovery mission.
Csts. Rayner and Grinstead made their ways separately by air to the crash site and attended to their tasks upon arrival. For five days, they surveilled and protected the primary crash scene, operating in the frigid temperatures during the day. Their only refuge at night was a tent located within the large debris field, and less than 25 metres from the largest intact portion of the satellite. They had no protective gear to wear beyond RCMP-issue cold-weather clothing. Each wore two dosimeters to measure radioactivity, but the devices were to measure exposure only and offered no protection of any sort.
They were relieved by other RCMP members and Canadian Armed Forces personnel; Csts. Rayner and Grinstead returned to their respective detachments and resumed their normal duties.
They remained in touch intermittently over the years. Lance Rayner retired from the RCMP in 2009.
In 2015, Bob Grinstead, then also retired, told Lance Rayner that he had been diagnosed with leukemia. Grinstead was advised by his oncologist that the origin of his leukemia was likely due to high-level radiation exposure. Bob Grinstead, 63, died in 2019.
He served 27 years in the Force with postings in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Ontario and internationally in Bosnia, Kosovo, and East Timor. Following his retirement from the RCMP in 2002, he continued working internationally, including in Africa and the Caribbean investigating crimes against humanity, election fraud and other matters for the United Nations.
Cst. Grinstead had been advised the type of radiation and length of exposure time can take 30-50 years to manifest as cancer in one's body, and not always as the same type of cancer.
Cst. Lance Rayner
Photo by Bob Grinstead
In 2021, Lance Rayner began to notice some swelling in his cheek. In March 2022, he was diagnosed with a rare malignant salivary adenocarcinoma assessed as Stage 4 terminal cancer.
The diagnosis was followed by surgery and radiation therapy. It was also followed by a disability claim to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) petitioning for the radiation exposure to be accepted as the cause of Rayner’s cancer, thus affording eligibility for compensation and treatment for a service-related illness. Lance’s claim was protracted over four years with his initial claim denied. He was supported by the Bureau of Pension Advocates (BPA), who represented him in his appeals to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB). In March 2026, VAC informed Lance that VRAB had decided after the third or fourth appeal ruling in his favour and VAC confirmed acceptance of his claim that the radiation exposure he experienced at the crash site almost 50 years prior was the likely cause of his cancer.
Lance Rayner has been very transparent about his medical dilemma as well as about his battle for compensation. He wants other veterans to be aware of what he experienced in hopes that forewarned, they will persevere in their own claims for whatever disabilities they are suffering from their years in service. Lance has publicly shared his story throughout his journey and has recently been interviewed by CTV and the Winnipeg Free Press. Lance gives substantial credit for his eventual success in winning his VRAB appeal to his legal representatives from the Bureau of Pension Advocates who worked patiently and diligently on his behalf. The recent announcement of significant budget cuts to BPA predicted to reduce their workforce by 200 positions is particularly alarming as they will be substantially less able to provide support to veterans in need. Lance’s cancer is in remission and that is the best news possible!
Insp. Robert “Bob” Grinstead
Lance Rayner immediately after his third facial surgery to lift his right side, before the bruising and swelling set in for more than 10 days after.
Who we serve
All veterans, military, RCMP, and their families.
À qui s’adressent nos services
Tous les vétérans, les militaires, les membres de la GRC et leur famille.
What we do Ce que nous faisons
• Review and address complaints
• Provide information and referrals
• Advocate for fairness
Where you can go for help
Submit a complaint online: ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca
Call: 1-877-330-4343
• examiner les plaintes et y répondre
• fournir des renseignements/références
• promouvoir l’équité
Pour obtenir de l’aide
Présenter une plainte en ligne : ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca
Inside the launch of New Brunswick’s first Sexual Violence Investigative Unit— and the officer behind it
By Jennifer LeJeune
Insp. Marie-Eve MackenziePlante was just about to order breakfast.
She was sitting in a restaurant with a colleague, taking in a rare pause between court appearances. It was an ordinary moment—until a young waitress approached their table.
“Oh my God,” she said. “It’s you.”
Marie-Eve looked up, surprised.
“Do you remember me?” the waitress asked. “I’m Samantha’s best friend. I testified in court.”
There was a pause.
“We still talk about you.”
For a moment, the years between them disappeared—replaced by the weight of the sexual assault case that had once consumed everything: long hours, difficult testimony, and the responsibility of getting it right.
But what stayed wasn’t the case. It was the realization.
Because in policing, those moments are rare. You don’t often see what happens next. You don’t know how the story continues for the people you meet on their worst days.
That day, she did.
A Path That Found Her
Insp. Mackenzie-Plante never set out to become a police officer.
She grew up in a military family, moving across the country—from Ontario to Nova Scotia. But the strongest influences in her life came from somewhere closer to home.
It was her grandmothers.
One was a business owner. The other, a teacher. Both were, in their time, pioneers—women who believed in education, independence, and building something meaningful.
“They were progressive,” she says. “They believed in doing something with your life.”
At first, Marie-Eve thought that path would lead her to nursing. She earned a bursary and began her studies, but it quickly became clear that it wasn’t where she was meant to be. She left university, worked as a waitress, and eventually took a part-time job as a 911 dispatcher at the RCMP’s Operational Communications Centre in New Brunswick.
One weekend, a co-worker suggested she write the entrance exam to become a Regular Member.
“I didn’t have anything better to do,” she says, laughing.
What followed wasn’t planned—but it was right.
“I never dreamed of being a police officer,” she says. “But I wouldn’t change a single minute of it.”
Early in her career, Marie-Eve found herself assigned to a sex crimes unit.
“This section chose me,” she says. “I didn’t choose it.”
At the time, there was no formal traumainformed training. Much of what she learned came through experience—through listening, adapting, and paying attention to what worked. Her first files were complex and demanding. Some involved individuals who were often not believed. Others involved children, where the truth had to be uncovered carefully, patiently, and without assumption.
One early case stays with her.
A young child. A situation that didn’t immediately make sense.
“It was one of the first times I had to go back and really listen,” she recalls. “Not just to what I expected to hear — but to what was actually being said.”
She revisited the statement. Rebuilt the timeline. Trusted what she was hearing.
The investigation led to an arrest, a confession, and a conviction— preventing further harm.
Moments like that didn’t just reinforce the importance of the work. They defined it.
“Leave It with Me”
Over time, Marie-Eve came to understand something fundamental.
The work wasn’t just about evidence. It was about connection.
“It’s listening without judgment,” she says. “Not trying to fix it in the moment.” Just saying: “Leave it with me.”
For people coming forward—often after experiencing profound trauma— that approach can change everything.
“It’s not always about the outcome,” she explains. “It’s about being believed. Knowing someone is there for you.”
That understanding came long before terms like “trauma-informed policing” became standard language.
“We know more now,” she said. “So, we do better.”
Building Something Better
Years of working sexual violence files revealed a pattern.
Survivors were navigating fragmented systems — repeating their stories, facing barriers, and often doing it alone.
Marie-Eve knew there had to be a better way.
The idea for a specialized Sexual Violence Investigative Unit grew out of experience— shared by those who had seen the gaps firsthand.
With the support of colleagues, partners, and the Government of New Brunswick, that vision became reality — with a $4 million investment to establish the first unit of its kind in Atlantic Canada.
There was skepticism at first.
“You have to get buy-in at every level,” she says. “Within the organization, with partners, and with government.”
But the need was clear.
And the vision held.
“You aim for the moon,” she says. “You expect to land on the stars, but this time—we landed on the moon.”
A Different Way Forward
The unit represents a meaningful shift in how complex sexual violence investigations are approached.
For designated cases, survivors can now access coordinated support with police, healthcare, and victim services
working together to reduce the burden of navigating multiple systems alone.
The goal is simple: reduce re-victimization and provide meaningful, consistent support through a trauma-informed approach.
By assigning complex and time-intensive investigations to a specialized unit, the model changes how expertise and resources are used across the organization. Officers with the training and experience to lead these files take them on, while also providing guidance to frontline investigators when needed—helping ensure survivors receive informed and compassionate support.
This specialized approach also strengthens service delivery across the organization. While the unit leads designated investigations, frontline officers remain responsible for the initial response, allowing specialized investigators to focus on the cases that require dedicated expertise while district resources continue to meet broader community needs.
At the heart of the model is a commitment to improving the experience of those who
come forward. When survivors receive timely, coordinated and compassionate support, the effects reach far beyond the individual—building trust in services, improving safety, and strengthening the networks communities rely on.
“If we support survivors properly,” MarieEve says, “we’re not just helping individuals — we’re strengthening communities.”
What Stays with You
For Marie-Eve, the work has never been about recognition.
But sometimes, it finds you anyway.
In a restaurant. In a quiet moment. In the words of someone who remembers.
“We still talk about you.”
Not the case. Not the process. But the person who was there.
The one who listened. The one who believed. The one who carried it forward when they couldn’t. The one who said, “Leave it with me.”
Those moments are rare.
But they stay with you.
Marie-Eve is pictured on her wedding day with her paternal grandmother, Louisette Audet, left, a teacher, and her maternal grandmother, Maria Lafontaine, right, a business owner—two women she says inspired her throughout her life.
Those Beauties Black
… the horses of the RCMP Musical Ride …
By A/Commr. R. Graham Muir (Rtd.)
RCMP Veterans’ Association, Ottawa Division
Mare and foal
Photo by Martine Chenier
Much has been written about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride. As it should be, given its time-honoured traditions and celebrated place as a Canadian cultural icon. And much of the praise is due to those remarkable black horses that carry the riders.
It’s taken for granted that these majestic creatures lend themselves to the magic that is "The Ride." But there’s a lot going on that warrants closer attention. So, let’s take a peek behind the curtain.
The North West Mounted Police (NWMP) was formed in 1873 and the famed "March West" occurred in 1874. Thus began the formative years of the Force and the necessary work of settling the west. Horses were essential, as was horsemanship. The early traditions of the Corps were formed in the crucible of hardscrabble routine that required the men to build shelters outbuildings and protective palisades before they were able to occupy quarters and stable horses. It was an era when horses mattered as much – arguably more – than men. As for the
men, if they weren’t in the saddle patrolling, they were being drilled on group-level tactics so that they could navigate in the field and deploy decisively as formed cavalry or mounted infantry. Garrison life provided some respite and recreation. Rehearsed, choreographed mounted formations and patterns were put to music provided by loosely organized bands formed from within the ranks. And that was the inception of the "musical ride" as we now know it.
The combined impact of horses, riders and musicians was impressive enough to draw a sizable crowd. While working for Harper’s Magazine, the famous American illustrator, Frederic Remington, took time away from chronicling the military conquest of the American west to travel north to Regina, Sask. There, he captured what is believed to be the first professional illustration of a musical ride circa 1890. It was not lost on the Mounties that there was much to be gained in improved relations with local folk by creating a compelling spectacle of sight and sound. And that is the legacy of the Musical Ride today.
Canadian Mounted Police on a Musical Ride. Photo courtesy of RCMP Photo Archives
In the fullness of time, the role and function of horses was relegated to the Force’s recruit training at Depot Division in Regina at a time when it was fervently held that, to quote Sir Winston Churchill, “the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.”
In 1937, A/Commr. S.T. Wood was part of the RCMP contingent that travelled to London, England, to participate in the coronation of King George VI. He was most impressed by the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry dressed in scarlet tunics and mounted on uniformly black horses. When he became Commissioner the following year, he directed that horses procured or bred for use by the Force were to be black. This gave impetus to the Force’s breeding program, leading to the establishment of its Remount Ranch at Fort Walsh in 1942.
In those days the three-yearolds were transferred from the ranch to Depot Division in Regina where their remount training began and they served to train police recruits.
In 1966, the Force discontinued mandatory equitation training for recruits, thus negating the need for horses in Regina. In 1968, the RCMP Musical Ride, as we know it today, was formed and based in Ottawa. The site of the Remount Ranch at Fort Walsh was transferred to Parks Canada and the RCMP Breeding Program moved to nearby Packenham, Ont. Today, the RCMP Equitation Branch has stewardship of 104 horses:
• In the Ottawa stable there are 66 horses, including Ride horses, school horses and remounts.
• At the Packenham farm there are 38 horses, including six yearlings, five two-year-olds, six three-year-olds, 16 broodmares, four standardbred surrogate mares, and one retired stallion.
• There are 11 foals due this year.
The breeding program reports to the Officer in Charge of the Equitation Branch, Supt. Sebastien Brillon. The responsibility for running the program and managing the Packenham Breeding Farm resides with two dedicated horsewomen who are generating exciting news in equine reproduction.
Sgt. Marie-Helene Bernier has spent much of her private life around horses, outside her career in the Force. She is partnered with Public Service Employee (PSE) Lesley Newland, a kindred spirit who grew up in the United Kingdom, riding and competing at a young age, before coming to Canada
Commr. S.T. Wood
Photo courtesy of RCMP Photo Archives
with her husband to manage horse farms and operations of their own not far from Ottawa.
Lesley has the hands-on job of running the farm and collaborating with MarieHelene on what is heralded as a bold step forward in advancing the Force’s approach to birthing and breeding horses.
When asked what the secret to success is in getting the right results, Lesley reveals that the trick is to “breed the best to the best and hope for the best!” She is quick to point out that hope is not a strategy. This is where the evolving science and practice of Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART), including genetic testing, comes to the fore. And it’s taking the guess work out of producing foals that meet the requirements of the Musical Ride.
Both Marie-Helene and Lesley would enthusiastically agree that it’s the right time for the RCMP to explore best practices in equine reproduction. The breeding model has not been modernized since the introduction of the German-Hanoverian line of warm blood horses in the 1990s, including the purchase of the renowned stallion "Dubai" in 2004, now retired to pasture at Packenham. Both women are in assiduous pursuit of leading-edge breeding protocols that can be embraced as the Force’s own.
Having taken stock over the past year, two sources of horse semen have been identified, including frozen product from
a boutique breeding farm in the U.S. and fresh semen from a local stallion, a perfectly timed opportunity to “buy Canadian!”
Regardless of breed or bloodlines, it’s now possible to greatly reduce the guesswork in producing black foals. DNA testing using hair samples makes this possible. The breeding program can therefore select stallions and mares with a genetic tendency for black coat colour. The same testing can also be used to identify and exclude horses that carry genes linked to connective-tissue and joint defects, helping prevent newborns afflicted by Fragile Foal Syndrome.
Public Service Employee Lesley Newland
Photo by A/Commr. R. Graham Muir (Rtd.)
One of the most exciting advances in Assisted Reproduction Technology is the delicate business of embryo transfer. Because a mare’s gestation period is long (about 340 days), embryo transfer can be used to increase the number of foals she produces. After insemination, the embryo is transferred to another mare, allowing the donor mare to be bred again. This process can be repeated several times in one breeding season, resulting in multiple foals in the same year. The RCMP has procured four standardbred surrogate mares for this purpose. By all accounts they are easy to work with and make great moms.
These may be early days for the breeding farm, but transplanting embryos is a widelyused technique in the equestrian world. For example, it’s conventional practice in Argentina in producing polo ponies, and it’s used routinely in the U.S. to produce high-performing quarter horses. Last year Lesley accompanied RCMP veterinarian, Dr. Keith Murch, to St. Hyacinthe, Que., to observe and execute their first embryo transfer. The Packenham stable is now equipped to conduct the procedure in-house from this point onward.
All the while, pardon the cowboy slang, “there’s chores to be did and horses to be rid”. Much like the musical ride stable in Ottawa, Lesley has a stable and farm of her own to run, 24/7.
With outbuildings and 350 acres to tend, including 100 acres of hay, there’s no lack of work to do. She has a small but mighty team of stable hands to keep things going, along with ready access to the vet and a farrier.
For her part, Marie-Helene is in daily contact with her own sizable team, including the remount section that takes receipt of the three-year olds and invests another three years in their formative development. That’s a six-year journey before it can be determined that any one foal is suitable for Musical Ride.
With a respectful nod to tradition and a laser-like focus on innovation, there is most assuredly a bright future for the RCMP Musical Ride and those beautiful black horses.
Sgt. Marie-Helene Bernier
Photo by A/Commr. R. Graham Muir (Rtd.)
THEN
IN THIS QUESTION & ANSWER, Insp. Pierre Bélanger (Rtd.), Reg. No. 29361, O.1718, shares his more than 50 years of serving with the RCMP, first as a regular member for 34 years and, since 2010, as a volunteer chaplain with the RCMP and RCMP Veterans’ Association. Born in Ottawa in 1952, he was raised by a single mother as his father, Sgt. Arthur Maurice Belanger, Reg. No. 11793, who served with the RCMP from 1932 until his retirement on May 8, 1962, passed away suddenly on Jan. 5, 1963.
WHY DID YOU JOIN THE RCMP?
&
By S/Sgt. Ted Sisk (Rtd.)
&NOW
Raised by a single mother living on a widow’s pension, we were certainly not well off, and I did not have too many role models but always dreamed of either joining the army or following
graduation from high school, I applied for the Officer Cadet Training Plan with the Canadian Armed Forces but was deferred at they deemed me too young and having little life experience. I was excited when I was accepted to the RCMP. I left home on Oct. 26, 1971, for Regina, Sask. With 31 fellow recruits, we undertook our six months of basic recruit training and graduated with 27 others on May 8, 1972, which was the 10-year anniversary of my father’s retirement.
WHERE DID YOU SERVE WITH THE RCMP?
My first posting was the Parliament Hill Detachment. The postings were usually brief, but when my tour ended, the RCMP was recruiting many
Meeting Her Majesty, Elizabeth II, Rideau Hall, July 1, 1997.
Third class Cst. J.P.M. Bélanger. / Insp. J.P.M. Bélanger in March 1998.
new graduates for the upcoming 1973 Centennial review. As a result, my posting lasted nearly two years. I finally transferred to C Div., Quebec City Detachment, followed by the Montreal Drug Section, Montreal GIS and in 1980 to Regina as a much-feared drill instructor.
In 1983, I moved to the HQ Establishment Branch. Two years later, in 1985, I joined Public Affairs HQ, where I earned a promotion to sergeant. Not long after that, I took a break to pursue a BA in Communications. Returning to the Force, I then worked for Protective Operations serving as NCO i/c Supreme Court Detachment and back to Executive Diplomatic Protective Services, as a shift supervisor. Continuing my studies part-time I completed my BA and I received my commission. I had a short-lived posting to C Div., where my new position was eliminated due to 1994 Federal Government cutbacks. I returned to Protective Operations as a watch commander.
In 1997 I accepted a tour of duty with UN UNSMIH mission to Haiti. Upon my return I became a Travel Officer, assigned as Security Officer for visiting heads of state and accompanying Canadian ministers and the Governor General on foreign trips. I served as OIC of Rideau Hall Detachment for five years. In 2000, I became the first RCMP commissioned officer to be seconded to the Ottawa Police Service through a two-year exchange program as a District Commander. This opportunity proved to be my primary experience in contract policing within a major city. I returned to the Force and finished my career as OIC Support Services in A Div., after serving 34 years with the Force.
My UN mission was a career highlight. Collaborating with police from Canada and other countries made me realize how fortunate Canadian Police are.
WHICH WERE YOUR PREFERRED POSTINGS?
I would have to say that there is not a posting I did not like. Certain tasks proved more difficult than others, and a few lacked glamour. Occasionally, I faced challenges in managing relationships with supervisors when our rapport was less than ideal. However, I still enjoyed the work and the congenial and professional colleagues and support staff I worked with. My time working in the Montreal Drug Squad was exciting. I handled major cases
involving international cannabis importation, later leading investigations with technical surveillance that resulted in significant seizures and convictions. I found that after working five years of long hours, evenings, weekends, and missing birthdays, wedding anniversaries, were taking a toll on family life and it was time to move on and do something different.
During my time in Montreal, I had the privilege of serving as a bodyguard with a colleague for a foreign dignitary throughout the entire month of the 1976 Olympics. We attended most major sporting events in VIP sections, but our primary focus remained on protecting our dignitary.
In 1980 I fulfilled my dream of teaching drill at Depot. I re-lived my own enjoyment of drill class, not on the receiving end of discipline but on enforcing. During my duty I taught 28 troops, Regular Members, male and female troops, Special Constable and Aboriginal Policing troops, and Conversion troops. All were a joy to teach. All the candidates were
outstanding and motivated to succeed and serve. The very few that failed undoubtedly resigned during training as they discovered that policing was not the career for them.
One of my best postings was in Public Affairs. As a spokesperson for the Force on national and serious issues, I learned about the many aspects of the organization and its policies and procedures as well as rational on certain decisions taken by management and felt comfortable representing the Force on these issues. This also allowed me to work at the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988 as a media relations officer. I learned much through my interactions with media and representatives from around the world.
My UN mission was a career highlight. Collaborating with police from Canada and other countries made me realize how fortunate Canadian Police are. Our equipment, our training, the work ethics were second to none. We trained and coached a new National Police Service, learned from others, and shared
Depot drill staff from 1980 to 1982 - Cpl. Bob Gallup, Cpl. Pierre Belanger, Sgt. T.O. Lewis, Cpl. Jean Lussier.
After moving to Ottawa, we joined a local French Catholic church, actively participated in committees, and attended retreats.
While serving in A Div., I was introduced to an organization that dealt with at-risk-youth, Operation Go Home, and soon became a member of the Board of directors, serving as chair of the Board for seven years. I organized fundraisers, hired a new general manager to help expand programs from being a dropin centre to offering education, health and work experience programs for youth.
management and policing procedures with our colleagues from developing countries.
TRANSITIONING FROM MEMBER TO CHAPLAIN
I have always valued ethics and faith in both my personal life and service. At my French Catholic high school, I joined a pastoral group that organized services for the students and were responsible for faith related activities in school. I met my future wife Karen in that organization. We were married in the Loyola Chapel at Loyola College in Montreal by our high school chaplain after the 2-year waiting period required for RCMP members to marry. Our life together was one where faith played a large part. While in Regina we attended mass in the Depot Chapel every Sunday. We had one of our daughters christened at that location. I also joined the Kinsmen Club and the Knights of Columbus and started volunteering in charitable work. I organized at Depot a fundraiser for the Kinsmen telethon.
Before my retirement from the Force in 1974, I completed courses and training at the Ottawa-Cornwall Catholic Diocese and Saint Paul University, aiming to be ordained as a deacon in the church. I later joined the RCMP Veterans’ Association and, once ordained, I offered my service as a chaplain. At the time, the RCMP in Ottawa had an honorary chaplain, Father Gagnon, and on occasion he would ask me to assist him for funerals of veterans of the Force and of military veterans at the Perley Hospital in Ottawa. Upon Father Gagnon’s retirement, the RCMP asked me if I would serve as their chaplain in Ottawa. I agreed.
Karen and I organize Christmas cookies for the Kids at Operation Come Home, and we have been involved with the veterans in our endeavour and each year at Christmas they bake and donate cookies for the kids. During my time as director of Member Services for the Ottawa Division, I suggested starting a Christmas Basket program for RCMP veterans who were ill or unable to leave their homes. The initiative was later expanded to include spouses of deceased and retired RCMP employees in Ottawa, with Association members assisting in preparing and delivering the baskets. These activities have continued to keep me involved with the veterans, the RCMP, and my community.
Chaplain Pierre Belanger offering an Act of Remembrance and Prayer at a Remembrance Day Ceremony in Navan, Ont., on Nov. 11, 2025.
• The Cattle Thieves - 1909 (First Mountie movie and filmed in Canada. A silent film)
• The Honor of the Mounted - 1914 (silent)
• River's End - 1920 (silent), 1930, 1940
• O'Malley of The Mounted - 1921 (silent)
• Cameron of the Royal Mounted - 1921 (silent)
• Steele of the Royal Mounted - 1925 (silent)
• Policing The Plains - 1927 (silent)
• Monty of the Mounted - 1927
• Rose Marie - 1928 (silent), 1936, 1954 (colour)
• In Line of Duty - 1931
• Honor of the Mounted - 1932
• Clancy of the Mounted - 1933
• Eskimo - 1933
• The Fighting Trooper - 1934
• Red Blood of Courage - 1935
• Trails of the Wild - 1935
• Wilderness Mail - 1935
• King of the Royal Mounted - 1936
• Secret Patrol - 1936
• Renfrew of The Royal Mounted - 1937
• Heart of the North - 1938
• Man from Montreal - 1939
• Susannah of the Mounties - 1939
• Outpost of the Mounties - 1939
• North West Mounted Police - 1940
• Yukon Flight - 1940
• The Royal Mounted Patrol - 1941
• Northern Pursuit - 1943
• Northwest Trail - 1945
• 'Neath Canadian Skies - 1946
• Trail of the Mounties - 1947
• Dangers of the Canadian Mounted - 1948
• Mrs. Mike - 1949
• The Wild North - 1952
• Pony Soldier - 1952
• Canadian Mounties vs. Alien Invaders - 1953
• Fort Vengeance - 1953
• Gunfighters of the Northwest - 1954
• Perils of the Wilderness - 1956
• The Canadians - 1961
• The Mad Trapper - 1972
• Alien Thunder - 1973
• Drying Up The Streets - 1978
• Death Hunt - 1981
• Dudley Do-Right - 1999
• Murder Most Likely - 1999
• Bon Cop Bad Cop 2 - 2017
• ***Kirby Grant - 10 movies***
• Trail of the Yukon - 1949
• The Wolf Hunters - 1949
• Snow Dog - 1950
• Call of the Klondike - 1950
• Gene Auth and The Mounties - 1951
• Yukon Manhunt - 1951
• Northwest Territory - 1951
• Yukon Gold - 1952
• Fangs of the Arctic - 1953
• Northern Patrol - 1953
• Yukon Vengeance - 1954
• Saskatchewan (O'Rourke of the Royal Mounted - UK) - 1954
B DIVISION
Headquarters — St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
HOLYROOD RCMP ARREST ONE MAN AFTER FLIGHT FROM POLICE WITH HELP FROM PSD FURY
Holyrood RCMP arrested a 32-year-old man on April 10 after responding to a report of a stolen vehicle. With assistance from Police Dog Services (PDS) and the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), police safely located and detained the man after he fled from police.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. on April 10, 2026, Holyrood RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle in the Deer Park area. The male suspect, known to the victim, was arrestable for breaching conditions of a release order with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) for prior offences and was believed to be in possession of the stolen vehicle.
Officers from the RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) located the stolen vehicle and suspect exiting the Trans-Canada Highway at Salmonier Line and followed the vehicle to Vineland Road in Deer Park. Holyrood RCMP attempted to stop vehicle with the deployment of a tire deflation device; however, the suspect struck a police vehicle before fleeing at a high speed. Police did not pursue the vehicle in the interest of public safety.
A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle, which had left the roadway and crashed in the area of Salmonier Line. A search of a nearby wooded area was initiated, and an advisory was issued asking the public to avoid the area. A police canine team and members of the RCMP Emergency Response Team were brought in to help locate and detain the suspect.
Police Service Dog Fury and her handler located the 32-year-old man of St. John’s at approximately 2:15 p.m. on April 10. The man was taken into custody with the
assistance of ERT and GIS officers and transported to the detachment in Holyrood.
The man appeared in court on April 11 on Criminal Code charges of:
• Failure to comply with a release order condition – five counts
• Assault on a police officer
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Flight from peace officer – two counts
• Resisting/Obstructing a peace officer
• Taking motor vehicle without consent of owner
• Mischief over $5,000 – Damage to motor vehicle He also faces charges under the Highway Traffic Act including:
• Operating a vehicle with a suspended license
• Using handheld wireless communication device (while operating a vehicle)
• Failure to stop at an accident scene
• Failure to obey directions of a traffic officer
• Failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle
The man has been remanded into custody and was scheduled to make his next appearance in provincial court on April 21, 2026.
NAIN RCMP AND GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS ASSIST STRANDED SNOWMOBILER
A stranded snowmobiler is home safe after they were assisted by Hopedale and Nain Ground Search and Rescue volunteers over the weekend.
On April 12, 2026, Nain RCMP received a request from the Hopedale RCMP Detachment regarding an overdue snowmobiler travelling between the communities of Natuashish and Nain.
A volunteer with Hopedale Ground Search and Rescue located the snowmobiler, who was stranded overnight after experiencing mechanical issues with their machine, and contacted police for assistance.
Officers engaged Nain Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR), who launched a team of volunteers to assist the snowmobiler. He was located by searchers who found him in good health, and returned to Nain safely.
RCMP MAJOR CRIMES UNIT CHARGES MAN IN GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR WITH FIRST DEGREE MURDER
RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU) has charged a 52-year- old man with first degree murder, after police responded to a report of a shooting in Grand Falls-Windsor early in the morning on April 10.
At approximately 4:45 a.m. on April 10, Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP responded to a
call for assistance at a residence on Crescent Heights. The call prompted a public advisory, requesting that motorists and nearby residents avoid the area while police investigated.
Upon their arrival at the home, officers discovered a female deceased inside. A second person inside the residence was identified as a suspect and arrested without incident. The suspect and the victim are known to each other.
RCMP MCU West is leading the investigation and has charged the 52-year-old with first degree murder. The man made his first appearance in Provincial Court on April 10.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is engaged and the investigation is continuing.
OUR SOCIAL MANDATE
To provide meaningful employment that meets the needs of veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their families and others who wish to contribute to the security and well-being of Canadians.
Join Canada’s only not-for-profit security company. commissionaires.ca/en/veterans
C
C DIVISION
Headquarters — Montreal, Quebec
SPOTLIGHT ON THE BORDER
Several members of the Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBET) took part in media reports related to their work, as illegal immigration has become a prominent topic in the news, particularly due to developments with our neighbours to the South. The January 22 episode of Enquête, (in French only) aired on Radio-Canada, was entirely dedicated to the current migration situation in the United States and its impact on clandestine crossings into Canada. A few months ago, journalist Romain Schué interviewed Insp. Martin Labrecque, head of the Valleyfield Detachment, as well as Cst. France Panneton, a patrol officer in the Estrie region. She was one of the officers who responded to the interception of a cube truck carrying 44 migrants near Stanstead last August. This event serves as the starting point for the report, which highlights the issue of criminal smuggling networks.
Both of our colleagues effectively showcased not only the work carried out in border protection, but also the humanity behind our actions. They also shed light on some of the challenges we face in this complex mandate. A report worth watching!
In addition, our teams assigned to border integrity will be featured in another report to be broadcast soon, this time on Crave. Étienne Fortin-Gauthier, reporter for the new program Entre les lignes, and cameramandirector Alexandre Volpato accompanied IBET Champlain patrol officers during one of their shifts. They were able to get a glimpse of what border patrol work entails—by car, all-terrain vehicle, and even on snowshoes.
Cst. Denis Hugron being interviewed by journalist Étienne Fortin-Gauthier.
The Crave film crew patrolled with our members on ATVs along the border.
S/Sgt. Alain Benjamin in an interview after the arrest of two illegal migrants.
During filming, two migrants attempted an illegal entry, and the crew followed our officers as they tracked them through the woods. The patrol officers successfully located the migrants, who were subsequently arrested.
Once again, the participants — Cst. Denis Hugron, Cpl. Pascal Tardif, and S/Sgt. Alain Benjamin — were able to demonstrate the challenging context of border work and clearly convey the professionalism with which they carry it out. One to watch soon on Crave!
By Éva Lecouteur-Bédard
PREVENTING YOUTH RADICALIZATION ONLINE: OUR EXPERTISE ON AIR AND ON SCREEN
At the end of January, criminal intelligence analyst supervisor Mathieu Roussel served as a media spokesperson to raise awareness about the threat posed by violent online groups targeting youth. He appeared on ICI RadioCanada Première’s Le 15-18 program, and later in a televised segment with journalist Karine Bastien on RDI.
These interviews focused on groups affiliated with the network “The Com.” In December, several entities were added to Canada’s list of terrorist organizations, including 764, Maniac Murder Cult and Terrorgram Collective.
Roussel explained how these groups use digital platforms popular with young people, such as Discord, Telegram, Roblox and Minecraft, to manipulate, recruit and radicalize victims, pushing them to commit violent acts both online and offline.
By participating in these segments, he helped raise awareness of this emerging threat and supported the RCMP’s efforts to prevent radicalization leading to violence, while highlighting the specialized expertise of our employees.
To listen to the interview on Le 15-18, click here (in French).
By Caroline Bourgeois-Nolet
A VISIT TO SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN CANADA
On Feb. 16, at the invitation of Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, S/Sgt. Camille Habel, Cst. Anthony Palazzo, Safety Bear and S/M Vinicio Sebastiano had the pleasure of taking part in a warm and meaningful visit. For two hours, they met with several children, talked with them and shared moments that deeply moved our team. The hospital staff welcomed us with exceptional kindness, making the experience all the more memorable.
Located in Montreal, Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada is known for its expertise in treating children with orthopedic and neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The hospital provides highly specialized care in a familycentered environment, with a mission to improve the quality of life of young patients and support their families.
By S/M Vinicio Sebastiano
Raising public awareness of this emerging threat is essential.
POLAR BEAR CHALLENGE –
$318,000 RAISED FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS QUEBEC ATHLETES
On Feb. 7, 14 and 21, more than 500 brave souls took part in the Polar Bear Challenge in Montreal, Quebec City, Drummondville and Gatineau. While the atmosphere was festive, freezing temperatures had many shivering!
In all, the event raised over $318,000 for Special Olympics Quebec. A record! The result far exceeded expectations, given that the original goal was $250,000. The money will support the organization’s mission to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport.
This year, the Division was represented by one team in Quebec City, one in Gatineau and nine in Montreal, with nearly 40 plungers in all. Our colleagues raised an impressive sum of nearly $20,000 on behalf of the Division. Alongside our police partners and other law enforcement agencies in Quebec, this display of community engagement was greatly appreciated by athletes and their families.
Congratulations and thanks to all the participants and generous donors! A special thank you to the Divisional Training Section, which played a major role in the fundraising effort.
By Supt. Nelson Lévesque
PROJECT CACHE: A MAJOR MILESTONE ACHIEVED
Members of the CFSEU carried out the arrest on March 24, on Montreal South Shore, of three individuals involved in a suspected drug importation network operating from Peru to Canada. The three individuals appeared at the Longueuil courthouse to face charges including conspiracy to import and possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
The investigation began in the summer of 2022 following an initial seizure at the Montreal airport, where a member of the group had been arrested and linked to an initial importation of 30 kg of cocaine. The investigation unfolded between Peru and Canada and led to the identification of other individuals facilitating drug importation into the country. Investigative techniques made it possible to develop strategies to identify members of this group tied to organized crime and to dismantle their network.
A parallel investigation by Peruvian police resulted in the arrest of numerous individuals. Two Canadians arrested in Peru, were recently sentenced to 17 years in prison and are being held in a Peruvian correctional facility. The network was involved in producing cocaine from the Peruvian jungle all the way to its final importation into Canada, using multiple concealment methods before distributing it in the Montreal area.
In total, over the course of the investigation, officers seized nearly 200 kg of pure cocaine and intercepted several other large-scale transactions that were being prepared for export to Canada and other countries.
This international investigation was a success thanks to the collaboration of numerous RCMP teams in Montreal, liaison officers stationed in Peru and Colombia, the CBSA, Peruvian police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Peru. By Sgt. Jonathan Hachey
D
D DIVISION
Headquarters — Winnipeg, Manitoba
POPLAR RIVER RCMP RESPOND TO MISSING 6-YEAR-OLD FEMALE, LOCATED DECEASED
On May 16, 2026, at 5:52 a.m., Poplar River RCMP responded to a report of a missing 6-year-old female.
Officers learned that the father woke up and noticed that the front door was wideopen. His 6-year-old daughter was missing as she was not found inside the residence.
Officers, fire department, family and other community members started searching for the missing child immediately. As the search continued, community boats were launched in the water, the Band deployed their drone and local search and rescue volunteers assisted with the search.
At 10:30 a.m., the 6-year-old female was located on the south side of the Nanowin River and pronounced deceased.
Poplar River RCMP continue to investigate.
PARENTS FACE AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES AFTER NEWBORN SUFFERS SIGNIFICANT INJURIES
On Sept. 9, 2025, Manitoba RCMP were notified that a male infant had been brought to the Child Protection Centre by his mother with unexplained injuries.
An examination of the infant – who was less than a month old – revealed significant injuries, including multiple fractures, lacerations and bruising. Following that examination, the infant was placed in care.
The Manitoba RCMP Integrated Child Abuse Unit began investigating the incident, which included the execution of a search warrant at the parents’ residence in southeastern Manitoba.
A charge of aggravated assault has been authorized against the parents – a 32- year- old female and 32-year-old male.
Both parents were released from custody on an undertaking.
MALE CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER FOLLOWING DEATH OF 32-YEAR-OLD FEMALE ON SHAMATTAWA FIRST NATION
On May 13, 2026, at 11:44 p.m., Shamattawa RCMP received a report of a serious assault that had occurred in the community.
Police attended immediately and found an unresponsive 32-year-old female inside a residence. The victim was transported to the local nursing station with life-threatening injuries, then flown to hospital in Winnipeg for further care. On May 14, she died as a result of her injuries.
The investigation has determined that the victim had fled her residence earlier in the day and sought safe shelter at another location. The suspect, in an act of intimate partner violence, later located her at that residence and seriously assaulted her.
A 27-year-old male, was arrested shortly after the incident and initially charged with aggravated assault. That charge has since been upgraded to manslaughter. He remains in custody.
Shamattawa RCMP, along with Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services, continue to investigate.
SWAN RIVER MALE FACES THEFT CHARGE AFTER SUSPECT OPENED DRIVE-THRU WINDOW, STOLE FROM REGISTER
On May 5, at approximately 2 a.m., RCMP responded to a theft that occurred at a local restaurant on Kelsey Trail in Swan River.
Officers learned a male had forced the restaurant’s drive-thru window open while staff were working a short distance away, jumped halfway into the building – his feet dangling on the outside – and reached into the cash register. He then fled with a small amount of cash.
Following a review of evidence, officers were able to identify a suspect.
A 54-year-old Swan River male faces a charge of theft under $5,000. He remains in custody, pending a court appearance.
GIMLI RCMP LOCATES HUMAN REMAINS IN COMMUNITY OF RIVERTON
On May 12, 2026, Gimli RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services, Forensic Identification Services and the Emergency Response Team, executed a search warrant on a property located in Riverton.
As a result of the search, a body was located within a vehicle on the property. The suspect, a 41-year-old male from Riverton, was arrested on scene without incident.
Following the autopsy and completion of the forensic investigation, we can confirm that the human remains located within the vehicle are that of Darryl Lambert, 39, who was reported missing to the Gimli RCMP Detachment on March 17, 2026.
The 41-year-old man has been charged with Second degree murder and has been remanded into custody.
Gimli RCMP, along with the RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.
NEW CHARGES LAID AGAINST YOUTH WHO THREATENED SCHOOL
Additional charges have been laid against a 14-year-old male previously arrested for uttering threats to harm students at Rivers Collegiate.
On March 13, Blue Hills RCMP were alerted to an online conversation that
was occurring between the youth and a 15-year-old from Nova Scotia. Officers were informed that the conversation began in late February and that the male youth from Rivers was actively discussing and planning to harm other students at the school.
Both suspects were arrested on March 16 by Manitoba RCMP and Bridgewater Police Service in Nova Scotia, respectively.
In Manitoba, RCMP seized the phone and electronic devices of the 14-yearold Rivers youth. A subsequent search warrant of two properties associated to the youth resulted in the seizure of additional electronic devices and other items, including two firearms owned by a relative.
The youth was charged that day with uttering threats.
As a result of further investigation, additional charges have been authorized against the youth. Investigators with RCMP Major Crime Services re-arrested the suspect at the Manitoba Youth Centre.
The new charges include:
• Conspiracy to commit murder;
• Counselling the offence of murder; and
• Uttering threats x2.
The youth’s next court appearance was slated for June 4.
Depot
DEPOT DIVISION
Headquarters — Regina, Saskatchewan
A SPOTLIGHT ON TRAINING
Did you know? Pilots who work for the RCMP Air Services are Special Constables. As part of their training, they come to the RCMP Academy to complete the Air Services Special Constable Program (ASSCP). The program is eight weeks long and like RCMP cadets, they take part in classroom work, tabletop exercises and scenarios. They learn the Incident Management Intervention Model (IMIM), CAPRA, RCMP Core Values and more.
The RCMP’s Air Services help policing take flight. From flying members and investigators to remote communities, to assisting with searches for missing persons and supporting Emergency Response Team deployment, Air Services play an important role in policing in Canada.
Congratulations to the RCMP’s most recent Air Services Special Constables who completed their training at Depot!
ROYAL ROAD RACE SUCCESSFUL
What a Saturday! This year’s Royal Road Race, held on May 9, was full of energy, support and smiles from start to finish. This running event gives participants a unique opportunity to run a race at the RCMP Academy in support of local community organizations.
This year, the RCMP Academy raised over $12,956 for Regina Food for Learning.
This charity provides nourishing food to hungry children in Regina schools.
RCMP cadets and employees joined in the action too. Some ran the 3 km, 5 km and 10 km courses and others joined alongside kids in the 1 km Mini-Mountie course.
A huge thank you to the Jaleta Pacers and everyone who raced, volunteered, cheered, organized and supported behind the scenes!
DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES
18
TROOP 37 (2025) began training March 3, 2025 and graduated Sept. 1, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Sgt. D. Doncaster (Rtd.), Cpl. A. Carmichael, Insp. J. Jones, A/Commr. M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. A. Schill, Cpl. G. Sherk.
Second row: W. Pedrosa Johnson, B.P. Barbosa, K. Rumbolt, A. Paez, M. Guidon, R. Hegel.
Third row: P. Raphaeli, H. McComber, C. MacDonald, A. Van Der Plas, M. Butt, K. Gale.
Fourth row: M. Rioux-Paquette, T. Caruso, B. Tabin, S. Phillips, A. Austin, R. Cullins, T. Trostheim.
38
TROOP 38 (2025) began training March 17, 2025 and graduated Sept. 15, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. J. Armstrong, Cpl. A. Carmichael, Insp. N. Szpakowski, Supt. J. Comeau, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. J. McLelland, Cpl. M. Macleod.
Second row: C. De Rocquigny, J. Leduk-Adatia, C. Lazare, W. Wiens-Laing, K. Bibeau, T. Kipling, H. Shortridge, G. Cheema.
Third row: K. Negahdar Chelarci, B. Benoit, L. Lazare, J. Belegris, S. Rhyee, J. Thomas, R. Waterhouse.
Fourth row: B. Kehoe, D. Crowther, N. Norman, M. Mactavish, P. Dehal, R. Finkelstein, A. Medour, M. Volcko.
DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES
20 TROOP 39 (2025) began training March 24, 2025 and graduated Sept. 22, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. R. Wright, Cpl. G. Duffy, Insp. J. Boutillier, Insp. N. Szpakowski, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. A. Gallop, Cpl. M. Kunz. Second row: C. Nelson, D. Vijulie, J. Vera, L. Colton, G. Redmond, V. Bagarinao, P. Sidhu.
Third row: S. Ghai, A. Khangura, K. Braham, S. Michie, A. Weddel, J. Randhawa, P. Preet Kamal Singh, D. Mckevitt.
Fourth row: Y. Wang, D. Stokes, Y. Bang, F. Connolly, G. Ross, M. Thompson, B. Metza.
TROOP 40 (2025) began training March 31, 2025 and graduated Sept. 29, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. M. Caya, Sgt. P. Côte, Insp. N. Szpakowski, A/Commr. M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. T. Baldwin. Second row: A. Hallett, J. Brar, G. Gill, N. Nadeau, K. Brown, T. Beales, J. Bedson.
Third row: F. Pangilinan, S. Saran, H. Mohammad, D. Tulloch, B. Singh, R. Ghuman, M. Laliberté, M. Mederiros.
Fourth row: M. Rakic, T. Grohs, V. Hove, L. Gardner, S. Vos, M. Wright, T. Dos Santos Neves.
DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES
TROOP EPOP 1 began training April 7, 2025 and graduated April 25, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. A. Carmichael, A/Commr. Mike Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins.
Second row: M. Reid, R.D. Anderson, C. Lamarche, A.H. Reichert, J.A. Harding, R. White, K.J. Campbell.
Third row: K.D. Neufeld, T.S. Mitchell, L.P. Isfeld, K.D. McKenzie, S.E. Hitchon, J.B. Shannon, M. Butcher, M.D. Frederiksen.
TROOP 1 (2025) began training April 7, 2025 and graduated Oct. 6, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. T. Fergusson, Cpl. H. Lévesque, Insp. J. Comeau, A/Commr. M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. B. Desaulniers.
Second row: S.L. Macadam, K. Matysiakiewicz, E.M.D. Lachance, K. Ferland, M.P. Lee.
Third row: T.K. Richards, W.B.L. Woolcock, S. Dumont, C.M. Laloux, C.A. Hagen, R.K. Brar.
Fourth row: M.T. Martin, A. Ways, C.L.C. Hughes, J.M. Le, J.L. Dalquist, J. Dhadda, N. Vigneswaran.
DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES
2
TROOP 2 (2025) began training April 14, 2025 and graduated Oct. 13, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. A. Hunter, Cpl. J. Green, Insp. J. Boutilier, Supt. J. Comeau, Sgt. P. Côté, Cpl. K. Gallant.
Second row: C.J. Kozak, B.S. Virk, T.D.C. McKay, A. Saini, M. Beaulieu.
Third row: K.S.L. Rose, J.R.R. Drews, K.A. Larose, G.D. Janes, M. Thiffault, A.G. Harasimiuk.
Fourth row: M.J. Henning, S. Gursameep, J.D. Jackson, B.D. Connor, A.E.I.O Drogun, J.J. Hughes, S. Palacio.
TROOP 4 (2025) began training April 28, 2025 and graduated Oct. 27, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Sgt. D. Bauer, Cpl. A. Carmichael, Insp. J. Jones, A/Commr. Mike Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cst. J. McKay, Cpl. L. Clark. Second row: R.K. Percy, S.D.M. Cupskey, B.L. Tan-Ricafrente, Z.J. Straza, T.B. Charette, L.M. Niemeyer, S.J. Russo.
DRONE, POLICE SERVICE DOG USED TO TRACK BREAK AND ENTER SUSPECT
Police officers in Prince George are always looking for innovative ways to track suspects when a crime has occurred and early February was no exception, when a blend of tactics helped to track a break and enter suspect.
The investigation began on Feb. 5, 2026, at around 8:30 p.m., when police received multiple reports of a vehicle crashing into the sidewalk near Ferry Avenue and Highway 16 west. The driver of the vehicle was seen running away from the incident site. This vehicle was later found to have been stolen just a short time prior to the crash occurring. Just a short time later, police received a report of a residential break-and-enter where
the suspect had run into an occupied home on Watson Crescent and was scared off by the homeowner. The homeowner reported seeing the suspect, who was described as wearing similar clothing as the driver from the crash, flee into her backyard.
Investigators enlisted the help of our Police Service Dog unit, who began to track the suspect on foot. They also deployed a drone to assist with tracking from above the neighbourhood.
“When the drone located an individual moving quickly through the area, the police officer was able to relay this information to the police service dog team, who could then quickly narrow down the scope of their search,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP. “This blend of tactics enabled police to locate the suspect rapidly, before he had the opportunity to enter any more homes or vehicles.”
The suspect, identified as a 53-year-old Prince George resident, was arrested a and held for court. While in police custody it was discovered that the man had an unendorsed arrest warrant in his name and was in breach of a current probation order. Police officers are familiar with the 53-year-old for similar offenses.
The man has been charged with the following in relation to this event:
• Break and enter and theft
• Break and enter with the intent to commit an indictable offense
• Theft of motor vehicle
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Resisting arrest
• Fail to comply with release order He will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
The Victim Services unit will be working closely with all those affected by these events. Police officers would like to thank all of those who reported these incidents and provided timely information to our investigators.
PIONEERING METHODS TARGETING DARK WEB DRUG TRAFFICKING SECURES U.S. CONVICTION
A British national was convicted in the State of Georgia following a RCMP investigation into a Canadian dark web drug trafficking network that resulted in the overdose deaths of two U.S. navy servicemen in 2017.
On Jan. 29, 2026, Paul Anthony Nicholls, 47, of the United Kingdom, who was living in Vancouver in 2017, was convicted of one count of Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances Resulting in Death and one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Death following a 4-day jury trial in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
Nicholls — who overstayed his visa and was removed following his 2018 arrest by the RCMP—faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years imprisonment for each offence.
Mr. Nicholls’ conviction stems from a 2017 Federal Policing Pacific Region (FPPR) investigation into a dark web drug trafficking network—Canada1— based in the Lower Mainland.
In response to the growing opioid crisis, RCMP investigators developed a proactive plan to target dark web drug trafficking.
A team of investigators who had specific talents and interests in developing investigative techniques unique to the dark web and postal systems, was formed.
E-Plebania was the first investigation to adapt these pioneering methods and after
several years, this complex investigation resulted in the conviction of Mr. Nicholls.
RCMP investigators worked closely with the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Kingsland Police Department, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration once those agencies linked the overdose deaths of the servicemen to the dark web network in the Lower Mainland.
While the RCMP submitted charges to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for the Canadian investigation, through consultation with U.S. authorities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office assumed conduct due to the severity of the offences and the deaths occurring in U.S. jurisdiction.
During the trial, U.S. prosecution relied heavily on evidence from FPPR’s investigation. Thirteen RCMP employees testified at the trial which included 12 officers and one analyst. They provided detailed testimony, presented evidence and expert analysis that demonstrated the scope of the investigation.
“I want to recognize the outstanding work of our officers, analysts and support staff, who led this complex investigation and provided compelling testimony that resulted in this guilty verdict. Their commitment to pursuing justice across borders, their meticulous attention to detail, their pioneering techniques and their professional expertise in the courtroom exemplify the highest standard of the RCMP and international law enforcement,” said Gary Mehat, Acting Officer in Charge of Drugs and Organized Crime, RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region.
“This case would not have been possible without the outstanding investigative work you all did on the Canadian side of the border. Your professionalism and dedication resulted in a guilty verdict in a jury trial,” said James Kejonen, Special Agent - Office of Criminal Investigations, United States Food and Drug Administration.
JOINT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARRESTS IN TRANSNATIONAL DRUG EXPORTATION CASE
A joint investigation between the RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region (FPPR), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has resulted in arrests, charges and convictions of multiple individuals in Australia in connection with a major drug exportation operation.
This operation, which began in 2022, involved significant quantities of methamphetamine discovered hidden in jugs labeled as canola oil destined for export to Australia.
Between December 2022 to June 2023, CBSA seized five shipments containing liquid methamphetamine totalling over 2,500 kgs concealed in canola oil containers. All the shipments used similar packaging of a particular brand of canola oil in 17.3 litre containers in boxes labelled as canola oil. An additional shipment contained crystal methamphetamine totalling over 204 kgs.
As a result of the coordinated efforts and expertise of our investigators, CBSA officers, and international counterparts, the AFP executed targeted enforcement, leading to multiple arrests across Victoria and New South Wales. As a result, eight individuals were charged and convicted with a number of drug-related offences with the final accused sentenced Feb. 18, 2026, in Australia. Among those charged were seven Australian citizens and one American citizen.
This outcome marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into an organized transnational crime network that has attempted to use our borders to traffic illicit drugs across jurisdictions.
FUEL CAP REPLACED WITH SANDWICH BAG SECURED BY CHARGING CABLE, BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE
On Feb. 25, 2026, the Lower Mainland Commercial Vehicle Enforcement group set up
an inspection in Burnaby to educate commercial truck drivers and enforce the rules of the road.
The planned enforcement took place in South Burnaby.
The results of the operation were as follows:
• 67 inspections
• 35 commercial vehicles placed out of service
• 172 violations identified
• 117 violation tickets issued
Here are some issues our inspectors noted:
A fuel cap was missing and covered with a sandwich bag, which was secured with a charging cable.
A fuel tank was secured to the vehicle by two non-rated straps; one was damaged and the other was pressing against a broken piece of the fuel tank housing that was cutting into the strap. The original housing that secured the fuel tank to the truck had completely broken off.
A truck had a defective steering mechanism.
A trailer’s emergency brake was inoperative.
A trailer’s axles or wheel housings were bent due to the trailer being repeatedly overloaded.
Unbelievably, all these violations, and more, were noted on one dump truck pulling a flat deck trailer with a bobcat. The driver was issued six violation tickets totalling $1,215 in fines. The truck and trailer licence
plates were seized, and both vehicles were towed and ordered to immediately be taken to a designated inspection facility.
“There are many professional drivers and companies that follow road safety laws. This is clearly not one of them,” said Cst. Kevin Connolly, Burnaby RCMP’s Designated Commercial Vehicle Inspector. “This is not an accurate representation of every commercial vehicle on our roadways, it is, however, a good example of why we do these inspections.”
In total, 10 agencies participated on this date, including:
• Vancouver Police Department CVU
• Delta Police Department CVU
• New Westminster Police Department CVU
• Coquitlam RCMP
• Integrated Road Safety Unit
• City of Coquitlam Bylaw CVU
• Township of Langley Bylaw CVU
• Burnaby Bylaws
• Passenger Transportation Branch
YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO PLAY WITH ROBOTS
On Feb. 21, 2026, young challengers from the first Lego League Robotics regional qualifier had a couple of special guests, Cst. Ian Baird and Cst. Carl Kennedy of the Southeast District Emergency Response Team.
The competition which was held at H.S. Grenda Middle School in Lake Country, saw 17 teams made up of 70 boys and girls from all over the Southern Interior for friendly competition, who programmed and troubleshot their way across a challenging archeology-themed problem.
While Cst. Baird and Cst. Kennedy didn’t necessarily enter the competition themselves (perhaps with a slight equipment advantage), they did however have their tactical robots and drones on full display for all the competitors and guests to see and even try.
“We rely a great deal on the technology of our equipment including robots and drones, and I think it’s very special to see this type of interest and innovation at such a young age,” says Cst. Ian Baird with the Emergency Response Team. “There were lots of great questions and really impressive robots, good job to all the teams competing.”
After winning first place at the regional event held at HMS, the “Nelson Nerds” consisting of Eric Bibby and Kasper Breisnes with the RCMP officers, went on to win the Champions award at the BC / Yukon event March 8 which has secured them a berth to a national event being held later this year.
“It was so wonderful to have the RCMP officers and some of their technology at our event so that the students could see potential career pathways and real world applications
F DIVISION
Headquarters — Regina, Saskatchewan
S/SGT. TONGE RECOGNIZED FOR NEARLY A DECADE OF SERVICE IN CARROT RIVER
F Div. Indigenous Policing Services recognizes S/Sgt. Richard Tonge for his work with First Nations communities as Carrot River detachment commander.
After serving as detachment commander in Carrot River from February 2017 to November 2025, Sgt. Richard Tonge was promoted to S/Sgt. and transferred into his new role within the North District Management Team in November 2025.
During his tenure in Carrot River, S/ Sgt. Tonge built a very strong relationship within the communities of Red Earth Cree Nation (RECN) and Shoal Lake Cree Nation (SLCN). A high number of highrisk and high-profile occurrences occurred during his years in these communities.
S/ Sgt. Tonge developed deep connections within these communities and the First Nation leadership during these trying times.
Chief Marcel Head, of SLCN, mentioned many challenges and successes during S/Sgt. Tonge’s time at the Carrot River Detachment and thanked him for his years of service in the community, presenting him with a blanket at their last SLCN Assembly.
Receiving a blanket from a community is a sacred gesture as it signifies honour, respect, and admiration, often acting as a physical and spiritual embrace from the community.
S/Sgt. Tonge had previously shown his appreciation of their friendship to Chief Head by gifting him a print of a Mountie and Indigenous male shaking hands, an RCMP fishhook and a Carrot River challenge coin.
Chief Zachary Whitecap, of RECN, also stated he valued S/Sgt. Tonge’s time in the community and that the Chief and Council really appreciated the openness that he had for the community. He identified their relationship as how “we should communicate to have a good relationship with the RCMP.”
S/Sgt. Tonge was gifted a blanket as well from RECN and had reciprocated by gifting Chief Whitecap a print by an Indigenous artist, an RCMP fishhook and Carrot River challenge coin.
Of note, after one of the many highprofile incidents that occurred in RECN, Chief Whitecap reached out to Indigenous Policing Services and asked that we ensure S/Sgt. Tonge was okay and that he was taken care of. This exemplifies the professional and personal relationship that had been developed and mutual respect and embodies the relationships the RCMP strive to have with all the communities we police.
CROSS-BORDER COLLABORATION: F DIV. CORPORAL INSTRUCTS SHIPRIDER TRAINING IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Cpl. Vanessa French represented F Div. in November 2025 as part of a Canadian instructor team delivering Canada-U.S. Shiprider use of force training to U.S. law enforcement.
The training, held at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in South Carolina, focuses on knowledge sharing between Canadian and American officers.
The Integrated Cross-border Maritime Law Enforcement Operations (ICMLEO), known as Shiprider, allows RCMP and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) officers to work side by side on vessels that can seamlessly cross the border while enforcing the laws of both countries. To make this possible, RCMP and USCG members must know both countries’ laws, use-of-force protocols, and arrest procedures when boarding vessels.
Cpl. French, a member of F Div.’s Major Crimes Branch Homicide Investigation Unit in Saskatoon, has been a part of the instructor cadre for four years. Originally from Prince Edward Island, she joined the RCMP a decade ago and has served in F Div. her entire career. Though she now calls a landlocked province home, Cpl. French says she values the opportunity to deliver maritime enforcement training.
“It was great to get involved in crossborder maritime training so early in my career. It’s been an incredible opportunity to learn and teach alongside our U.S. partners, and it really shows how diverse policing can be,” says Cpl. French.
Six RCMP use-of-force instructors from T Div., C Div., O Div. and J Div. delivered the training program. Approximately 25-30 American officers attended, gaining insight into Canadian policing standards and operational expectations. Officers learned how Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms apply during joint operations. Instructors use classroom and scenariobased training on the RCMP’s Incident Management Intervention Model (IMIM) and intervention options to emphasize what is appropriate during vessel boardings.
Upon successful graduation from the course, American officers are then designated full Canadian peace officer authorities when involved in Shiprider operations under the direction of an RCMP officer. As a force multiplier, this is how Shiprider directly contributes to both countries’ joint commitment to fight cross-border criminality.
For RCMP instructors, the training is an opportunity to share Canadian policing principles while learning from U.S. counterparts, strengthening the partnership that keeps our borders safe.
S/Sgt. Tamara Patterson (J Div.), Cpl. Vanessa French (F Div.), Insp. Alvin Tang (O Div.), Sgt. Audrey Soucy (T Div.), Cst. Karine Denis-Godin (C Div.), and Cst. John Pitcher (J Div.) in South Carolina. / Instructors demonstrate a high-risk take-down for U.S. Coastguard participants.
“I’VE BEEN WAITING 15 YEARS FOR THIS CALL”: LOCAL RESIDENT STEPS UP, HELPING RCMP IN SUCCESSFUL RESCUE EFFORT
On a cold evening in March 2026, the Saskatchewan RCMP received a 911 call from a man whose vehicle was stuck in a remote area near Fox Valley, Sask. Before the call dropped, officers learned the vehicle was partially submerged in water and snow.
Officers were faced with the challenge of covering a vast geographic area with limited information.
Leader RCMP officers responded immediately, deploying their Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) to sweep the area from above. Detachment officers, Saskatchewan RCMP Police Dog Services and a conservation officer with Provincial Protective Services Branch conducted the search on the ground and worked throughout the night to find the man.
The cold temperatures continued until the following morning, bringing fresh snow and a −29°C windchill. Time was of the essence to find the man and bring him to safety. Drawing on additional resources, Sgt. Don Kyllo, Leader RCMP Detachment commander, remembered meeting a local pilot who offered his plane if the RCMP ever needed to expand a search area.
“Did you mean what you said? That you’d be willing to help with your plane if we ever needed it,” Sgt. Don Kyllo asked the pilot.
The pilot agreed without hesitation. “I’ve been waiting 15 years for this call,” he replied.
Shortly after taking off, the pilot located the stranded vehicle and relayed the coordinates to officers on the ground. The pilot circled in the air until officers arrived at the scene. Officers located the man sitting near his vehicle.
Officers took the man back to the detachment to warm up with a cup
of tea and food, with no physical injuries reported to police.
“I met this pilot when I first arrived as the Detachment Commander in Leader and right away he told me that if we ever needed help with his plane, he’d be there. He stayed true to that promise and stepped forward without hesitation,” says Sgt. Don Kyllo. “Situations like this remind us how important it is to have a positive connection with the people we serve and the communities we police. Last month, that partnership helped save a life.”
The pilot credited strong relationships with local RCMP officers as a key to community safety.
“I’ve always believed in maintaining a strong relationship with our local RCMP officers. Whenever I can support them, I will,” said the pilot. “Cooperation and teamwork are essential in keeping our community safe and we’re fortunate to have some truly outstanding RCMP officers serving in Leader.”
The Saskatchewan RCMP extends its sincere thanks to everyone who assisted in the search. The communities we serve are at the core of everything we do, and this collaboration is a strong reminder of what can be accomplished together.
BATTLEFORDS RCMP HOST SUCCESSFUL “COFFEE WITH A COP” COMMUNITY EVENT
Battlefords RCMP members connected with locals during a well-attended “Coffee with a Cop” event held in mid-January. The informal public gathering invited community members to stop by, grab a coffee, and engage in open conversation with law enforcement in a relaxed, approachable setting.
Throughout the event, residents brought forward a wide range of topics and questions. Discussion included recruiting opportunities, challenges surrounding
addictions and unhoused individuals, and ways to strengthen community support systems. Participants were also eager to talk about the ongoing nightly foot patrols conducted by the Battlefords RCMP.
The event also featured participation from several partner organizations, including Battlefords Citizens on Patrol, the Saskatchewan Marshals Service, and Victim Services.
Cpl. Steve Bell emphasized the value of the initiative and the positive response from attendees: “The whole time we were there, we were engaging with people and had multiple conversations going on. It was very informal, just a way for the public to get out, see us and talk to us, and make us a little bit more accessible and approachable… we definitely saw it as really beneficial, so we’ll be looking at setting it up again.”
BATTLEFORD/UNITY RCMP: TWO CHARGED AFTER SUSPECTED METHAMPHETAMINE SEIZED DURING TRAFFIC STOP
On March 28, 2026, Battlefords RCMP conducted a traffic stop in Battleford in relation to ongoing Unity RCMP investigation.
The occupants of the vehicle – an adult male and adult female – were arrested.
Officers had obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. It was towed to a secure police facility and subsequently thoroughly searched by officers. They located and seized approximately 126 grams of suspected methamphetamine hidden in a pizza box inside the vehicle. The substances will undergo further testing.
Resulting from continued investigation, a 70-year-old man from Wilkie, Sask., and a 26-year-old woman from North Battleford, Sask., have each been charged with one count, possession for the purpose
of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
They appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on March 30, 2026.
Unity RCMP thanks Battlefords RCMP for their assistance in this investigation.
F DIV. HOCKEY TOURNAMENT RAISES OVER $7,000 FOR CHARITY
In January, the F Div. South Provincial hockey team hosted the Jon Cormier Memorial Charity Hockey Tournament in Swift Current. Members from across the province gathered to play hockey and raise money for the National Police Federation Benevolent Foundation (NPFBF). Teams from South, North, East, HQ, Depot and the women’s team took part this year. Over $7,000 was raised this season for the charity.
The NPFBF was launched in 2020 to assist the families of fallen on-duty, off-duty and serving National Police Federation members by providing financial aid to affected families, and post-secondary financial funding.
The North team took the gold this year, beating the South team in the gold medal matchup, while Depot came out on top in the bronze medal game, beating the East Team.
G G DIVISION
Headquarters — Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
INUVIK RCMP SEIZE OVER 120 LITERS OF ILLICIT LIQUOR
Inuvik RCMP have made a significant seizure of illicit alcohol after a tip from a member of the public.
On April 15th, Inuvik RCMP received a report that a large amount of liquor had been discovered packaged in a shipment destined for Aklavik, after the shipper conducted an inspection of the package in accordance with their own policy.
A Territorial Liquor Inspector was engaged to assist police as part of the investigation. Upon examination of the liquor, it was determined that it originated from outside the Territory.
As importing more than 3 liters of spirits into the Northwest Territories is a violation of the Liquor Act, the alcohol, totaling 127.44 liters, was seized as part of the investigation.
While there are no liquor restrictions in the community of Aklavik, a shipment of this size was likely destined to be sold unlawfully (bootlegged), and this seizure represents a potentially large reduction in harm to the community, where alcohol continues to play a role in many crimes.
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES RCMP’S INTERNET CHILD EXPLOITATION UNIT CHARGES TWO YOUTH IN AI CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION MATERIAL CASE
Two youths in the Northwest Territories have been charged after an investigation undertaken by the G Division Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit.
Last month, the RCMP received a report that two youths had obtained social media
photos of a number of other youths and used artificial intelligence to alter the photos, making them appear nude. The photos were subsequently shared amongst the two suspects.
These actions constitute an offence within the meaning of the Criminal Code of Canada and an investigation was launched by the G Division ICE Unit, with support from the Specialized Response Unit, Territorial Crime Reduction Unit and Major Crimes Unit.
Both youth suspects were arrested and electronic devices were seized. Each suspect was charged with:
• Making child sexual abuse and exploitation material, contrary to section 163.1(2) of the Criminal Code
• Transmitting child sexual abuse and exploitation material, contrary to section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, contrary to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code
Both appeared before a Justice of the Peace and were later released subject to several conditions to appear in court at a later date.
The RCMP reminds the public that under the Criminal Code of Canada, Section 163.1(1) (a) defines child sexual abuse and exploitation material broadly to include any visual material that depicts nudity for a sexual purpose or describes sexual activity involving a person under the age of 18, or that is depicted as being of a person under 18. The law includes material produced through photography, videography, illustration, or computergenerated imagery — including images and videos created or altered using AI.
H DIVISION
Headquarters — Halifax, Nova Scotia
CELEBRATING AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH
This year’s provincial theme, Strength in Unity – Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress, highlights what’s possible when communities come together with shared determination and vision.
Across Nova Scotia, 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities help shape the identity of our province. The Nova Scotia RCMP serves 50 of these communities. Strengthening relationships, building trust, and continuing the work guided by
our community-led Nova Scotia RCMP Action Plan remain priorities for us.
Nova Scotia RCMP employees attended events throughout the month to learn and commemorate this special month, including the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia 2026 African Heritage Month Gala. This year’s theme, Deep Roots, Powerful Future, was a meaningful reminder of the strength, resilience, and contributions of African Nova Scotian communities. We’re grateful for the opportunity to celebrate, learn, and continue building relationships across the region.
BLACK CULTURAL CENTRE DEDICATES AFRICAN CANADIAN EXPERIENCE WORKSHOP SPACE
The Nova Scotia RCMP and the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia (BCCNS) are celebrating an important milestone: a dedicated space for African Canadian Experience (ACE) Workshop programming within the BCCNS’s planned expansion in Cherry Brook.
This new space reflects a long-term commitment to cultural understanding, community connection, and meaningful education. The ACE Workshop has already been helping the RCMP and partner agencies deepen awareness of African-Canadian history and lived experiences. Now, with a permanent home for this work, its impact can grow even further.
SUCCESSFUL FISH & CHIP ATV/UTV RALLY
Riders from across the region came together for the Shore Riders ATV Club’s Fish & Chip ATV/UTV Rally in Western Shore, Lunenburg County. With more than 300 participants on the trails, it was a fantastic turnout and a great day to celebrate safe, responsible riding.
To support a safe event for everyone, Lunenburg District RCMP worked with Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables conservation officers to conduct checkpoints. Officers checked for proper equipment, safety gear, and sober driving, helping ensure riders could enjoy the day and get home safely.
Thanks to all the riders who made safety a priority and helped create a fun, respectful atmosphere on the trails.
TAKE A PAWS WITH OUR THERAPY DOG FRIENDS
We had some pawsitively awesome visitors from the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. Teddy, Kip, Mogul and Rosie along with their amazing handlers, visited our Operational
Communications Centre, home to our 911 police dispatchers, to spread cheer and joy. Their visits are part of the RCMP’s commitment to employee wellness, with teams stopping by regularly. Safe to say they put smiles on everyone’s faces.
NEWCOMERS DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED BY LABOUR TRAFFICKING
The Nova Scotia RCMP commemorated National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on February 22 by bringing awareness to the emerging issue of labour trafficking in our province.
Investigators have identified cases where people were deceived or coerced into working in conditions far different from what they were promised, with newcomers among those most affected.
“Our mix of industries and seasonal employment can create conditions where people are more vulnerable to exploitation,” says Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane. “For some individuals, language barriers, transportation issues, or concerns about their job or immigration status can make it difficult to ask for help.”
Traffickers may exploit these vulnerabilities by lying about pay or duties, using threats, withholding passports and other documentation, creating false debts, or restricting movement.
Temporary workers can face added risks because they may be isolated, unfamiliar with Canadian labour standards, or limited by the terms of their work permits.
“All workers in Canada are protected under law,” says Sgt. MacFarlane. “Employers can’t threaten deportation or interfere with a person’s legal status, and every worker deserves safety and fair treatment. Employers, community organizations, service providers, and neighbours are essential partners in identifying exploitation and helping people access support.”
INVESTIGATION LEADS TO SEIZURE OF MORE THAN A MILLION UNSTAMPED CIGARETTES
Continued investigation has led to another search and seizure of more than a million unstamped cigarettes by traffic services officers.
A traffic stop on Hwy. 104 near Amherst on March 15 led to a seizure of 163 cases of illegal tobacco totalling approximately 1.63 million cigarettes and charges against a 69-year-old woman from Lower Sackville. This traffic stop follows a previous seizure of 160 cases of illegal tobacco from a vehicle.
PICTOU COUNTY DISTRICT RCMP ASSUMING POLICING SERVICES IN TRENTON
The Pictou County District RCMP assumed responsibility for policing services in the Town of Trenton, effective April 1.
“Our team has worked closely with the New Glasgow Regional Police Service and the Town to ensure a smooth, well-planned transition that keeps public safety at the forefront,” says S/Sgt. Curtis MacKinnon, District Commander, Pictou County District RCMP.
“There will be no interruption during the transition,” says S/Sgt. MacKinnon. “All the necessary records and information to ensure continuity of policing services will be securely transferred from New Glasgow Regional Police Service to the RCMP.”
CONSTRUCTION OF PICTOU COUNTY DISTRICT DETACHMENT
There’s been steady progress on the new RCMP Pictou County District Detachment located in Stellarton. Behind the dust, steel, and scaffolding is a space that’s coming together piece by piece.
The new detachment will be ready to serve the community later this year, providing a modern space to support residents of Pictou County and our members. We’re looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming the community when it’s complete.
J J DIVISION
Headquarters — Fredericton, New Brunswick
MAN ARRESTED AFTER FLEEING POLICE
A 32-year-old man from Elsipogtog, N.B., has been arrested after fleeing police in Elsipogtog, N.B.
On March 17, 2026, at approximately midnight, members of the Richibucto RCMP observed a suspicious vehicle pulling into a driveway on Sunset Drive in Elsipogtog. A marked police cruiser pulled in behind the vehicle. The driver and passenger fled the scene.
After following the tracks in the snow, police observed the driver outside a nearby residence. When officers attempted to arrest him, the individual forced open the front door and entered the residence. Police followed the individual and arrested a 32-year-old man from Elsipogtog. He was later released from custody, pending a future court appearance. Police are still trying to locate the passenger.
After further investigation, police determined that the vehicle used by the individual had previously been reported stolen. Following a search of the vehicle, police seized several items including a total of $100,000 in Canadian counterfeit money, two sheets of silver line for counterfeit money, drug paraphernalia, a small quantity of what is believed to be cocaine, as well as a laptop.
On March 20, 2026, a 32-year-old man from Elsipogtog, N.B., appeared in Moncton Provincial Court and was charged with forcible entry, resisting arrest and failure to comply with a probation order. He was released from custody until his next court appearance scheduled for April 13, 2026.
The investigation is ongoing.
MAN SENTENCED FOLLOWING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATION
A 51-year-old man from Saint John, N.B., was sentenced in connection with an investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
The proactive investigation on media sharing platforms was led by the New Brunswick RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit and began in February 2021.
On June 29, 2021, members of the RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit, along with members of the Saint John Police Force, and the RCMP's Digital Forensic Services, executed a search warrant at a residence on Wallace Court in Saint John, N.B. As part of the investigation, a man was arrested at the scene, and police seized several electronic devices. The man was later released on strict conditions pending a future court appearance.
On Nov. 25, 2021, a 51-year-old man was charged in Saint John Provincial Court with:
• Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
• Make Available Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
• Accessing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
On Jan. 12, 2026, he appeared in Saint John Provincial court and plead guilty to charges related to making available, possession, and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
On March 24, 2026, the man was sentenced in Saint John Provincial Court to four years in prison. He was also ordered
to register with the National Sex Offender Registry and to provide a DNA sample.
Following his release from prison, he will have to abide by conditions set out by the court.
The New Brunswick RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit includes members from the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force.
RCMP CONTINUING TO INVESTIGATE DISAPPEARANCE OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
The New Brunswick RCMP’s Major Crime Unit is continuing their investigation into the disappearance of Madison RoyBoudreau of Bathurst, N.B, who was 14 at the time of her disappearance.
Madison Roy-Boudreau was last seen getting into a grey Ford Ranger, at approximately 7:30 a.m., on May 11, 2021, in Bathurst. She was reported missing to the Bathurst Police Force the same day.
In the days and weeks that followed, exhaustive investigative efforts were made to locate Madison, including the use of several RCMP specialized policing services. On Aug. 11, 2021, Madison's disappearance was ruled a homicide by the investigation team. The New Brunswick
RCMP’s Major Crime Unit has since assumed lead of the file, based on information obtained through the course of the investigation.
"We're not able to share specific information to protect the ongoing investigation, but we have reason to believe Madison was in the Middle River area after she was last seen in Bathurst on May 11 last year. This would place her in RCMP jurisdiction," says Cpl. Hans Ouellette of the New Brunswick RCMP. "We continue to work to find Madison and bring answers to her family, and her community. Anyone with information that could help our investigation should contact their local police, or Crime Stoppers."
Madison Roy-Boudreau is described as being five feet four inches tall and weighing 119 pounds (54 kilograms). She has brown eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a gray sweater, a pair of camouflage-colored pants and a pair of silver-colored shoes.
The New Brunswick RCMP is urging anyone with information about the disappearance of Madison Roy-Boudreau to contact police. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
K
K DIVISION
Headquarters — Edmonton, Alberta
ALBERTA RCMP WELCOMES
21 NEW POLICE OFFICERS
The Alberta RCMP is welcoming 21 new police officers who will be deployed across the province. Each of them has recently graduated from the RCMP’s training academy, in Regina, Sask., equipping them with the policing skills necessary to serve their new communities with excellence.
These new officers are a part of a positive shift in recruitment and retention for the Alberta RCMP. Since April 1, 2024, there have been more than 5,700 applications received in the province. Additionally, the Alberta RCMP’s Experienced Police Officer Program has hired 25 EPOs since the start of April 2025, with 33 applications currently open and being processed.
The following locations will soon be home to new officers: Barrhead, Cardston, Chateh, Coronation, Drayton Valley, Fort Vermilion, High Prairie, Hinton, Lloydminster, McLennan, Piikani Nation, Provost, Redcliff, Red Earth Creek, Stettler, St. Paul, Valleyview, Vegreville, Wainwright, and Wood Buffalo.
“We recognize that police visibility and staffing levels remain key concerns
for the communities we serve,” says D/ Commr. Trevor Daroux, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP. “These new police officers are an example of our focus to look inward at our hiring processes to remove barriers, find efficiencies, and ensure the most qualified applicants are chosen to serve your communities.”
Additional strategies to address vacancies and temporary absences include the Alberta RCMP’s Relief Team, located out of Cochrane and Leduc, which provides frontline support to communities facing vacancies, injuries or major events. In 2026, 65 deployments have already been planned across 16 detachments in Alberta. Alternate Service Delivery Models for remote and isolated locations are also being used, including an Implemented Fly-In Model in Fox Lake. Lastly, 34 active reservists are supporting frontline policing across the province, with 11 more in the application process.
With municipal, provincial and federal mandates, the Alberta RCMP offers over 150 different types of career opportunities to choose from.
EMPLOYEE TOWN HALLS
In early March, Alberta RCMP senior leadership travelled across the province to connect face-to-face with employees through a series of town hall events. These sessions provided valuable opportunities to listen, share perspectives, and strengthen the relationships that support the work of the Alberta RCMP every day.
Staying connected across Alberta’s vast and diverse communities helps ensure we continue working together as one team. Stronger connections within our organization contribute to stronger teams, and ultimately, safer communities.
REAL TIME OPERATIONS CENTRE TOURS
Throughout March, many town and council representatives from across the province came to tour the Alberta RCMP’s Real Time Operation Centre (RTOC) at the headquarters building in Edmonton. RTOC runs 24/7, helping support officers
to track suspects in real time and coordinate resources during major incidents for a speedy response that keeps Albertans safe.
This has been a great opportunity to show off the resources the Alberta RCMP can deploy at any time across the province, whether that be helicopters, remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones), police dogs, Emergency Response Teams and more.
53RD ANNUAL RED COATS FOR KIDS CHARITY HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
This year, the Whitecourt and Mayerthorpe Alberta RCMP detachments hosted the 53rd Annual Red Coats for Kids Charity Hockey Tournament!
With 120 members across Alberta taking part, the event was about more than just hockey. It was about community, connection, and giving back.
A new fundraising record was set with just over $23,000 raised and donated to four local charities in Whitecourt and Mayerthorpe.
For more than five decades, this meaningful tradition has brought members together on and off the ice.
$1 MILLION IN STOLEN EQUIPMENT RECOVERED FOLLOWING ALBERTA RCMP INVESTIGATION
More than $1 million dollars in stolen equipment has been recovered following an Alberta RCMP investigation in Wetaskiwin County.
In January 2026, RCMP in Breton/ Thorsby began investigating reports of stolen heavy equipment. The investigation led officers to a rural property in Wetaskiwin County. On Feb. 11, with support from the Alberta RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, the Auto Theft Unit, and neighbouring detachments, the Alberta RCMP executed a search warrant at the property.
As a result, officers recovered over $1 million dollars worth of stolen equipment and machinery connected to the multiple thefts across central Alberta and Edmonton.
Four individuals were arrested. Charges have been laid against one person, and the investigation remains ongoing.
“This is yet another example of the harm that a small group of prolific offenders can cause,” said Sgt. Kelly Kraal. “Having a dedicated group of investigators both trained and equipped to focus all available efforts on these types of offenders has an overall effect of dropping crime rates.”
LLOYDMINSTER RCMP CONDUCT TRAFFIC STOP AND SEIZE ILLEGAL LOAD WORTH MILLIONS
Alberta RCMP in Lloydminster have laid multiple charges following a large seizure of unstamped tobacco products discovered during a traffic stop. On Feb. 22, Lloydminster RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a semi-truck with trailer in Lloydminster. The lone male driver was unable to provide the required documentation for his load. As a result, officers conducted an inspection on the trailer.
Further investigation determined the trailer contained 24 pallets, with an estimated 48,000 cartons of contraband, containing approximately 7.2 million unstamped cigarettes. The estimated retail value is over $6 million dollars, and over
$2 million in subverted taxes. The semitruck, along with its trailer and load, were seized because of this police investigation.
The driver, a resident of Calgary, is in custody, facing multiple charges. The matter is now before the Lloydminster Provincial Court.
“This seizure represents another significant disruption to illegal tobacco contraband,” said Sgt. Christopher Byford, Operations NCO, Lloydminster RCMP. “Criminal activity undermines legitimate businesses and is often linked to organized crime. Lloydminster RCMP work with provincial and federal partners to combat contraband trafficking and other crime.”
COCHRANE RCMP CRIME REDUCTION UNIT AND PARTNERS SEIZE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF DRUGS
In April 2025, Cochrane RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), with assistance from RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region, began investigating a male suspected of trafficking drugs between Calgary and Lethbridge. On Feb. 26, RCMP located a vehicle associated with the suspect at a known problem address on Stoney Nakoda First Nation. The vehicle was subsequently towed after the registered owner claimed it had been taken without consent.
Through continued investigation, Cochrane CRU confirmed that the suspect was actively involved in drug trafficking within the Stoney Nakoda First Nation community. Investigators utilized several techniques which ultimately led officers to a storage locker in Airdrie.
Police confirmed that the storage locker belonged to the suspect, and on March 9, RCMP executed a search warrant on the storage locker. During the search, investigators seized approximately 1.4 kilos
of controlled substances. The suspect was not present at the time of the search.
On March 11, the suspect attended a tow yard in Cochrane where the previously towed vehicle from Stoney Nakoda First Nation was stored. Officers with Cochrane RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) and CRU, with assistance from Southern Alberta District GIS, established covert surveillance on the suspect.
Additional resources were deployed to assist, including the Emergency Response Team, RCMP Police Dog Services and Calgary Police Services HAWCS, however, the suspect exited his vehicle and began walking away while carrying a bag. Police
moved in quickly and were able to safely apprehend him. A search of the bag incidental to arrest resulted in the additional seizure of 2.7 kilos of suspected drugs.
In total, investigators seized:
• 581.2 grams of suspected fentanyl;
• 1,041 grams of suspected cocaine;
• 2,472.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine;
• 2.2 grams of suspected carfentanil; and
• $6,798 of Canadian currency.
The estimated street value of the drugs seized is approximately $450,000.
A resident from Calgary has been arrested and remanded into custody. The matter is now before the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary.
EDMONTON POLAR PLUNGE
The Alberta RCMP Strathcona County team rallied together for an amazing cause in early March at the Polar Plunge in Edmonton.
RCMP officers, municipal support staff and Community Peace Officers bundled up and faced the freezing temperatures to raise funds for Special Olympics Alberta. Their dedication paid off!
Together they raised an outstanding $4,300, the highest fundraising total among all participating groups! Support for the Special Olympics Alberta helps athletes across the province continue to shine!
L DIVISION
Headquarters — Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
11 PEI RCMP OFFICERS RECOGNIZED AT MADD AWARDS
PEI RCMP were honoured to participate in MADD Canada Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards, an event recognizing law enforcement officers for their dedication to removing impaired drivers from PEI roadways and keeping the public safe.
At this year’s ceremony, 11 PEI RCMP officers were formally recognized for their outstanding work addressing impaired driving across the province. This included seven Bronze Award recipients, three Silver Award recipients, and one Gold Award recipient, reflecting a high level of commitment and proactive enforcement by members throughout the year.
“These awards highlight the daily efforts of our officers, often carried out quietly and without recognition, to prevent impaired driving and the tragic consequences that can result.
Congratulations to all the recipients from all the PEI police agencies, keeping PEI roads safe is a shared responsibility,” said C/ Supt. Kevin Lewis, the Commanding Officer for the PEI RCMP. “We are proud of every officer recognized and grateful to MADD Canada for their continued partnership and advocacy.”
JOINT ENFORCEMENT TEAM MARKS ONE YEAR OF SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS
One year ago, Summerside Police Services, Kensington Police Services and PEI RCMP came together, through an initiative driven by the provincial department of Justice and Public Safety, with a shared mission: protect Island communities by disrupting drug trafficking, removing illegal weapons,
and strengthening public safety. Recently, this specialized unit celebrated its first anniversary — and the results speak for themselves. In just 12 months, JET operations have led to 23 people charged, the seizure of over 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, more than a kilogram of crystal meth, 141 grams of fentanyl, over 1,100 hydromorphone pills, eight kilograms of opium, and 19 stolen goods seized. Officers also removed 15 firearms and multiple prohibited weapons from Island streets. This is what collaboration looks like — and this is what it achieves.
PEI RCMP GET ADVANCED EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRAINING AT UPEI MEDICAL SCHOOL
PEI RCMP members that make up the Emergency Medical Response Team (EMRT) are trained to exceptionally high standards in order to provide paramedic level support when every second counts. Some of these members recently took part in advanced medical simulation training at the new University of PEI medical school. This hands-on training uses real people as well as computer-controlled mannequins that can mimic real medical emergencies — including sights, sounds, and even odours — giving officers the chance to practice critical, life-saving skills in a realistic environment.
This is one more example of the diverse expertise and advanced training PEI RCMP bring to policing and enhancing public safety on PEI. The advanced training capabilities of the new UPEI medical school’s Clinical Learning & Simulation Centre showcases why it’s so important to have this facility on the Island.
M DIVISION
Headquarters — Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
CHANGES TO YUKON RCMP UNIFORM
Yukon RCMP are advising the public of two updates to the RCMP service uniform for police officers across the Territory.
As part of ongoing efforts to modernize the RCMP uniform, a new navy-blue shirt has been introduced for frontline service. The national rollout of the new shirt began in fall 2025 and has been occurring on a rolling basis across the country. The rollout has now reached the Yukon, and frontline RCMP officers at all Yukon Detachments will begin wearing the new navy-blue uniform shirts while on duty.
During the transition period, RCMP officers will continue to wear grey uniform shirts. Members may wear either grey or navy-blue shirts as part of their service uniform. Both options are approved and authorized.
In addition to the shirt update, a national policy change now permits RCMP members to wear either their name or their regimental number on their uniform name tag. Both options are official and compliant with RCMP policy.
The RCMP understands that seeing a new uniform colour or numerical name tags may cause confusion. In most Yukon communities, residents are familiar with their local RCMP officers, however, relief members from outside the community may occasionally be deployed to support operations.
DAWSON CITY RCMP EXECUTE HELICOPTER EXTRACTION OF RESIDENTS ON FLOODING ISLAND
Dawson City RCMP successfully coordinated the helicopter extraction of two individuals from a residence on an island in the Yukon River.
At approximately 5:15 p.m. on May 7, Dawson City RCMP received a request to assist the Yukon Emergency Measures Organization in the rescue of two residents from their home on Sister Island, located approximately 5 km downriver on the Yukon River. The individuals reported that their house and property were actively flooding due to the release of an ice jam and the resulting sudden increase of ice and water.
An RCMP Search and Rescue Manager was notified, and a coordinated helicopter extraction was initiated. Both individuals and their pets were safely extracted by approximately 6:45 p.m. without injury and were transported to Dawson City.
NHQ DIVISION
Headquarters — Ottawa, Ontario
RCMP LAUNCHES VIRTUAL REMOTE INTERPRETING PILOT TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS
The RCMP has launched a Virtual Remote Interpreting (VRI) pilot to improve communication between police officers and deaf individuals during police interactions, particularly when interpretation needs arise unexpectedly during police encounters.
The VRI pilot is implemented in four detachments in British Columbia: Langley, Kelowna, Prince George, and Nanaimo. It provides provides front-line officers with on-demand access to live American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) interpreters using secure video technology. The service is intended as an initial communication tool during urgent or unplanned interactions and may also support in-person interactions at participating detachments when appropriate.
Deaf and hard of hearing individuals have historically faced communication barriers during police encounters, often relying on written notes, gestures, lip-reading, or bystanders acting as interpreters. These approaches can lead to misunderstandings, delays, or safety concerns. The VRI pilot helps address these challenges by providing immediate access to qualified sign language interpreters. This pilot aligns with the RCMP’s 2026–2028 Accessibility Plan, which focuses on removing barriers and improving access to programs and services.
By enhancing communication during police interactions, the RCMP aims to support clearer understanding and safer outcomes.
Findings from the pilot will help inform potential future decisions regarding the use of virtual remote interpreting within the RCMP.
COMMISSIONER’S STATEMENT OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL’S REPORT ON RCMP RECRUITING
March 23, 2026
Today, the Office of the Auditor General released its report examining the RCMP’s recruitment and training capacity. The report provides a clear and detailed assessment of the challenges within our current recruitment system, including delays in processing applicants, gaps in workforce planning, and the need to better align recruitment targets with operational demands across the country.
The RCMP accepts all findings and recommendations contained in the report. Strengthening recruitment is essential to our ability to meet our mandate, support our policing partners, and keep communities safe. Under my tenure, recruiting and training has been one of my key priorities and it remains a core pillar of our 2024–2027 Strategic Plan.
Over the past year, we have launched significant modernization efforts to improve the speed, reliability, and equity of our recruitment processes, and the Auditor General’s report reinforces that this work must continue at pace. We have completed an end-to-end review of the entire recruitment process to prioritize
high impact changes that will modernize how we attract and prepare future members. This includes improving processing practices for applicants, filling troops to 32 at Depot on a consistent basis and increasing the number of troops trained annually. Building on this, we have been upgrading screening and application systems to reduce bottlenecks and enhance the applicant experience, with a goal of reducing processing times to six months by 2028–2029.
We have implemented new workforce planning tools to better forecast divisional needs and ensure our recruitment targets are tied directly to operational realities. At the same time, we continue to assess opportunities to expand training capacity at Depot through more efficient scheduling, curriculum review, and enhanced support for cadets and instructors. This work is supported by a new National Recruitment Strategy that outlines how we will transform applicant processing, recruit the right people, and ensure our internal systems and structures are aligned to sustain meaningful, lasting improvement. Progress will be closely monitored using data-driven performance tracking to ensure accountability at every step.
To guide the work ahead, we are finalizing a comprehensive Management Action Plan that will outline the concrete steps, timelines, and accountabilities required to respond to each of the Auditor General’s recommendations. The work is substantial, but the direction is clear, and the organization is fully committed to the transformation that is needed.
As we move forward, I want to recognize the employees whose dedication has made the progress to date possible. Together, we will build a stronger, more modern RCMP, one that reflects the diversity of Canada and is positioned to serve communities effectively, proudly, and with excellence for years to come.
O O DIVISION
Headquarters — London, Ontario
TORONTO WEST DETACHMENT CELEBRATES “BELL LET’S PAINT DAY”
In a twist on Bell Let’s Talk Day, Toronto West employees welcomed retired Peel Regional Police S/Sgt. Shawn McCowell, who led the group through a collaborative artistic experience. Shawn’s work honours police and military personnel, and is showcased through Police Artists of Peel, where he supports numerous charitable groups including Boots On The Ground and Special Olympics.
Supt. Mia Poscente welcomed the group and challenged everyone to commit an act of kindness that week, providing ‘grab-bag’-style tasks to everyone.
Central Region Mental Health Champion Insp. Patrick Poulin shared his thoughts on the need to support ourselves and one another.
Shawn then shared his personal story of how creating art saved him and continues to allow him to preserve his mental well-being, and invited the group to contribute to a ‘realtime’ creation of a magnificent piece of art. Employees took turns selecting paint and a brush, and added their unique touch to the blank canvass, which took shape over the next hour, culminating in Shawn adding the majestic black silhouette of an RCMP horse and rider.
A CONVERSATION WITH RETIRED INSP. LEARY GAIRY
As part of our Black History Month 2026 recognition, the Central Region Black Employee Network (CR BEN) is proud to highlight retired Insp. Leary Gairy, a trailblazer and pioneer in Central Region.
The painting will be displayed in a place of honour at Toronto West Detachment for all employees and guests to be reminded of how, together, we can create something beautiful and enduring.
CR BEN spoke with retired Insp. Gairy for a brief Q&A, where he reflects on his career, his impact, and the progress he helped inspire within the RCMP.
What would you describe as your greatest accomplishment as a member of the RCMP?
My greatest accomplishment as a member of the RCMP is not defined by the number of arrests I made or the undercover and wiretap investigations I led or supported. Instead, it was the time I spent in uniform in smalltown British Columbia, actively engaging with the community and local youth.
Many of these young people were in foster care or faced difficult circumstances at home and were heading down the wrong path. Having the opportunity to connect with them and offer guidance was deeply rewarding. Years later, one of those youths, who earned a university scholarship and is now a track coach in Texas, shared that my involvement in her life played a significant role in her success. I know that without the RCMP’s strong commitment to community engagement, I might never have had the chance to make such a meaningful and lasting impact.
Ontario is one of the most culturally diverse provinces. During your service, how did you advocate for a more inclusive and diverse workplace within the RCMP? When I first graduated from Depot, there were very few Black members, and as I advanced
through the ranks, that number became even smaller. Despite this, I never doubted my ability to progress in my career and create opportunities for others to do the same. I was raised to work hard and treat people fairly. As I moved into leadership roles, it was important to me that every person felt respected and extended that same respect to their colleagues.
In my role as officer in charge of Special “I,” I managed a highly diverse team that included regular members, civilian members, public service employees, and contract employees. Because of the nature of the unit, many members came from different cultural backgrounds, spoke various languages, and brought a wide range of skills and life experiences. This diversity strengthened the section and improved the service we provided to investigative units.
I maintained an open-door policy to encourage employees to raise concerns early. I also met with every member at least once a year to discuss career goals and assess the overall work environment. These meetings fostered trust, promoted open communication, and reinforced fairness and inclusion within the unit. I did everything I could to support members in achieving their career aspirations and worked to elevate highly deserving candidates.
As you advanced to commissioned officer, did you expect to pave the way for future generations of police leaders?
The idea of being seen as a trailblazer within the RCMP never crossed my mind. However, I was always aware that, for better or worse, my conduct reflected not only on me personally but also on the Black members who would follow.
I recognized the importance of professionalism, integrity, and leadership, understanding that my actions could shape perceptions and help create opportunities for future generations.
Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self, and would you change anything?
I had a great career and have no regrets. If I could offer advice to my younger self, or to young members aiming to rise through the ranks, it would be this: while the RCMP outlines the requirements for promotion, always strive to exceed those
LETR POLAR PLUNGE SURPASSES
$1 MILLION AS RCMP HELP LEAD THE CHARGE ACROSS ONTARIO
The Polar Plunge season is well underway across Ontario, and this year has already become one for the record books. Thanks to the dedication of participants, volunteers, and supporters, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Polar Plunge has officially surpassed the $1 million fundraising mark, with a few plunges still to come. Our RCMP colleagues have once again played a meaningful role in this success. Employees and members stepped up across the
minimum standards. Meeting the minimum is not enough if you want to truly excel and advance. I grew up believing that success comes from going above and beyond expectations. Finally, I would say this: if you live by the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” you will enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career.
province, taking the icy leap in communities including London, Kitchener, and North Bay. Their enthusiasm and commitment reflect the long-standing partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics. Each plunge represents more than a moment of bravery in cold water. It’s a show of support for athletes who inspire us with their determination, sportsmanship, and joy. Reaching the million-dollar milestone is a testament to what can happen when communities rally together for a cause that truly makes a difference.
THANKS TO YOU! CENTRAL REGION ORGANIZED CRIME SNOWFLAKES AND STETSONS RAISED $12,334 FOR HOLLAND BLOORVIEW KIDS REHABILITATION HOSPITAL
On Dec. 17, employees of the Central Region Organized Crime Pillar had the privilege of spending time with the patients, families, and dedicated staff of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Thanks to your incredible generosity, and on your behalf, we were honoured to present a cheque for $12,334 to the hospital.
Holland Bloorview is the only pediatric rehabilitation hospital of its kind in Canada, providing life-changing care to children and youth with disabilities. The funds raised will directly support the development and purchase of essential medical aids, helping to improve the lives of those who rely on this critical care.
But the impact of your generosity didn’t stop there.
Central Region Organized Crime employees — joined by the RCMP Safety Bear — helped create a truly magical evening for the patients. We delivered countless gifts that you so thoughtfully donated. The joy, laughter, and excitement on the children’s faces made the night unforgettable for everyone involved.
The Director of Partnerships and Signature Events at Holland Bloorview shared that in her seven years in the role, she has never witnessed such an extraordinary outpouring of generosity, gifts, and kindness as what was shown by this group.
With our deepest gratitude, thank you for your unwavering support and for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of these children and their families.
V DIVISION
Headquarters — Iqaluit, Nunavut
IGLOOLIK MAN CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER
On April 23, 2026, at approximately 5:00 a.m, the Igloolik RCMP responded to a report that a male had been transported to the local health centre deceased.
Police arrived at the health centre and believed the death to be criminal in nature. Police identified a suspect and placed him under arrest.
The Nunavut RCMP’s Major Crime Unit took over the investigation and on April 23, 2026, charged a 39-year-old man with the SecondDegree Murder contrary to Section 235(1) C.C.
He was taken before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded into custody. His next court appearance was scheduled for June 9, 2026, in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
POND INLET RCMP LAY CHARGES UNDER NUNAVUT LIQUOR ACT
On April 30, 2026, the Pond Inlet RCMP, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of the community. Police seized alcohol, alcohol-based cleaners and cash.
Police have charged a 55-year-old man with:
• Unlawful sale of liquor, contrary to Section 84 of the Nunavut Liquor Act.
The man was scheduled to appear before the Nunavut Court of Justice on July 21, 2026, in Pond Inlet, Nunavut.
“We will continue to work hard to combat the illegal sale of alcohol as it has a destructive impact on our community and we will continue to receive information from the public regarding the illegal sale of liquor,” said Cpl. Amee Pirlot of the Pond Inlet RCMP Detachment.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES LAID AGAINST MAN IN RELATION TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION MATERIAL
The Nunavut RCMP Specialized Investigation Team (SIT) has laid additional charges against a 35-year-old man with offences related to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM).
In June 2025, the Nunavut RCMP SIT unit began an investigation and identified the man as a suspect who was accessing and possessing CSAEM. In January 2026, police arrested the man in Gatineau, Que., and transported him back to Iqaluit, Nunavut. Since his return to Iqaluit, he has remained in custody.
Police continued their investigation and collected additional evidence related to CSAEM, that are alleged to have occurred in Iqaluit between January 2018 and December 2025.
On April 20, 2026, the SIT unit charged the 35-year-old man with the following:
• Two counts of Accessing Child Pornography, Section 163.1(4.1) C.C.
• Two counts of Possession of Child Pornography, Section 163.1(4) C.C.
• Distribution of Child Pornography, Section 163.1(3) C.C.
• Two counts of Making Child Pornography, Section 163.1(2) C.C.
• Two counts of Sexual Interference, Section 151 C.C.
• Two Count of Sexual Assault, Section 271 C.C.
The man is currently remanded in custody, and his next court appearance was scheduled for June 8, 2026, in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
NATIONAL POLICE FEDERATION A WIN FOR RCMP MEMBERS: PROTECTING MEMBER MEDICAL PRIVACY
MEDICAL INFORMATION is deeply personal for all Canadians. RCMP members should be able to seek care and support without wondering who else might have access to it.
Earlier this year, a proposed federal change raised concerns about how that information could be shared. In March 2026, following sustained advocacy from the National Police Federation (NPF), Parliament removed that proposal from a federal budget bill, an important outcome for members who rely on both privacy and trust when accessing care and benefits.
The proposal was introduced in late 2025 as part of broader legislative changes and would have allowed expanded sharing of medical information between Veterans Affairs Canada, Public Safety Canada, and RCMP management. The intent was tied to administration and coordination, but the language was broad and lacked clear limits or safeguards.
For many members, that created uncertainty. Medical information is often sensitive, and in a policing environment, there are valid concerns about how it could be used if shared too widely, including the potential for it to affect workplace decisions.
The NPF heard these concerns and raised them early and consistently. Members should be able to seek treatment or apply for benefits without having to consider how
their personal medical information might be accessed or used beyond that purpose.
With the provision now removed, the existing agreement between Veterans Affairs Canada and the RCMP remains in place, but it sets defined boundaries. The RCMP provides only the information required for VAC to assess disability and health benefit claims. VAC, in turn, shares back only limited, non-sensitive information, and only for those who are still serving. That structure ensures members can access support while maintaining control over their personal information.
The NPF engaged directly with government officials and ministers, called for a review by the Privacy Commissioner, and appeared before both House of Commons and Senate committees studying the bill. Members and veterans also played an important role, helping send more than 3,500 letters sent to Parliamentarians over a four-week period in early 2026.
The legislation is expected to pass in the late spring or summer 2026 without the proposed changes.
The NPF will continue to monitor any future developments that could affect members’ rights and privacy. This decision reinforces a straightforward principle. Accessing care and benefits should not come with concerns about how personal medical information is handled.
Serving You is written by Legion command service officers. To reach a service officer, call toll-free 1-877-534-4666, or visit https://legion.ca/ support-for-veterans.
HOW TO NAVIGATE LONG-TERM CARE ServingYou
FOR VETERANS WHO can no longer live independently due to physical or mental health conditions, one of the most significant supports Veterans Affairs Canada provides is long-term care (LTC). VAC helps cover the cost of LTC in approved facilities, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent access to necessary support.
Eligibility for VAC-funded LTC depends on several factors, including:
• being an eligible veteran (typically having served in the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP or in certain civilian positions);
• and medical assessments showing a need for ongoing nursing care or supervision that can’t be adequately provided at home.
VAC also prioritizes access to LTC for low-income individuals and those with servicerelated disabilities. These “priority access veterans” may receive full coverage for LTC in community facilities, provincially regulated nursing homes or VAC-contracted beds in other facilities. These options can vary by region and placement often depends on an individual’s medical needs and bed availability.
A veteran without service-related conditions may still qualify for VAC-supported LTC, but could receive different levels of financial support and/or experience longer wait times.
VAC also evaluates an individual’s income and assets, with lower-income veterans more likely to receive comprehensive coverage.
Applying for LTC through VAC usually involves completing an application, undergoing a medical and functional assessment and co-ordinating with provincial health authorities. Additionally, more attention is being paid to ensure culturally appropriate and trauma-informed care, particularly for those with post-traumatic stress disorder.
While VAC case managers assist veterans and their families to navigate the LTC process, it can be challenging. Demand for LTC continues to grow as the veteran population ages. Wait times, regional disparities in facility availability, and co-ordination between federal and provincial systems can also complicate access.
VAC’s LTC programs are a critical component of Canada’s commitment to caring for those who’ve served. While eligibility requirements and processes can be complex, the overarching goal remains clear: providing veterans with dignified, accessible and highquality care when they need it most.
For more information, contact VAC directly at 1-866-522-2122 or visit veterans.gc.ca/ en/mental-and-physical-health/physicalhealth-and-wellness/long-term-care for more information.
BOOK REVIEWS
A GIFT BEFORE DYING
By Malcolm Kempt
Crown Publishing Group, New York, N.Y., 2026; 260 pages
THIS IS AN EXTRAORDINARY BOOK: intimate, unsettling, emotional and secularly spiritual. In A Gift Before Dying, first-time Canadian fiction novelist Malcolm Kempt draws upon his many years as a criminal lawyer in Canada’s remote arctic, and has produced a crime novel that comes from the outer edges of the murder mystery genre. It glides the reader in and out of the real world of policing and through the beauty of the unreal circumstances of life in Canada’s far north. If this sounds mysterious, that would be a satisfying compliment to the artistry of Malcolm Kempt.
A Gift Before Dying is the fictional story of a member of the RCMP posted to Cape Dorset Detachment, Nunavut, Sgt. Elderick Cole. In the story, the lives of the people of the modern community of Cape Dorset (Kinngait) unfold primarily through his eyes, but more mysteriously, also through
the ethereal presence of a recently deceased young teen of the community, Pitseolala.
It is the unresolved death of Pitseolala that Sgt. Cole seeks to unravel and solve, even though he cannot even explain why the death might be suspicious. One might say he is guided unknowingly by Pitseolala together with the empathic assistance of her brother Maliktu. The three characters move swiftly together down a path of discovery that reveals the challenges of the people of Cape Dorset as they live in an ancient culture, isolated within a modern and perplexing world.
The true craft of a fiction author is to be able to inhabit the mind and experiences of a character in a realistic and intimate way. As a reader, we take it for granted that this comes easily to an author, and their creative skills pour forth in an entertaining way,
The true craft of a fiction author is to be able to inhabit the mind and experiences of a character in a realistic and intimate way.
and in which we find ourselves there with the characters, even inside them. Anyone who has ever tried to write fiction knows this is an exceptionally difficult task. In this manner, author Kempt succeeds gloriously.
One need not be a police officer to appreciate the challenges faced by Sgt. Cole as he works at a two-person detachment in the far north of Canada. These challenges are descriptively laid out for the reader and one cannot help but marvel at the obstacles faced in isolated northern policing. However, for any police officer who has ever worked shift upon shift alone, subsisting on no more
than four hours of a sleep a day for days on end, seeing the sun for only an hour or two a day, and having to contain the sometimes debilitating emotions of loneliness, fear and abandonment will know the world of Sgt. Cole. In such an environment, where the extreme cold and the vast snowscape is an untameable foe, the unreal can take on a sense of reality that one cannot explain adequately.
The hidden power of this story is that of the death of Pitseolala and the life of her brother Maliktu. A fearsome aura of pathos inhabits both of these characters, and ties them together with Sgt. Cole even as the siblings’ lives are, one notable day, torn apart violently. From the two sides of life, dead and living, the brother and sister relationship somehow remains intact and we witness how they seek to continue to help each other, and Sgt. Cole, to piece together all three of their unresolved and tragic lives.
A Gift Before Dying cannot come more highly recommended to any reader who appreciates beautiful, lyrical and gently cryptic writing. The story is compelling, the subject matter challenging, and the persons encountered both dark and heroic. Just as life is.
About the Reviewer
Gibson Glavin is a retired inspector who served for over 31 years with the RCMP. He is a public policy consultant and provincial adjudicator, and lives with his family near Edmonton, Alta.
Scarlet & Gold
SOVEREIGN’S MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEERS BESTOWED
Three members of the RCMP family were awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by Governor General Mary Simon at a ceremony at Rideau Hall on April 23, 2026.
• Alexander (Sandy) Glenn; Past Association President / Past Nova Scotia Division President
• Stewart (Stu) Jarvis; Toronto Division
• Brad Hampson; Drum Major, RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancer - National Capital Region
Alexander Glenn (Kentville, N.S.)
Following a distinguished career with the RCMP, Alexander Glenn joined
the RCMP Veterans’ Association, Nova Scotia Division, where he held various positions. This expertise, gained over a decade, provided him with the necessary tools to assume the national presidency in 2020.
Stewart Jarvis (Courtice, Ont.)
Retired from the RCMP since 1986, Stewart Jarvis has been volunteering with service providers and groups connected to the organization he worked for throughout his career. His unwavering social involvement, mostly related to policing and veterans, also supports and improves community events.
Bradley Thomas Hampson, M.O.M. (Ottawa, Ont.)
For nearly three decades, Bradley Hampson has been promoting military musical history through the RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers. As drum major and quartermaster, he participates in local and national events, including Remembrance Day and other commemorative ceremonies, and strengthens comradery among band members.
These individuals continue to serve their communities through their volunteerism, offering support to RCMP veterans and their families, serving as ambassadors of good will reflecting the very best of the human spirit with generous hearts, all motivated by the sense of purpose that inspired them as protectors during their careers in law enforcement.
FROM FELLOWSHIP TO SERVICE: BUILDING THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE RCMP VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION
At the close of the Annual Meeting of Members in Charlottetown, P.E.I., as conversations began to wind down, a quiet moment stayed with many in the room.
During a toast to the Force, retired S/ Sgt. Walter Pinsent of the Newfoundland and Labrador Division—who joined the RCMP in 1960 and retired in 1984 after 24 years of service—offered a simple reflection:
“We are community.”
It was not part of the agenda. It did not come from a prepared speech. Yet it captured something that echoed throughout the gathering: that long after service ends, the bonds formed through shared experience do not fade.
That sense of connection carried through two days together, where representatives from divisions across Canada joined members of the Board of Directors, Association Council, and Secretariat to reflect on the future of the RCMP Veterans’ Association.
A Shared Direction
As the Association looks ahead, its work continues to be guided by four core areas: Networking, Informing, Supporting, and Advocating.
Together, these pillars reflect a clear purpose—staying connected, staying informed, supporting one another, and ensuring the voices of those who have served continue to be heard.
Building Connections
Connection remains one of the Association’s greatest strengths.
Across the discussions, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships between divisions, improving collaboration, and continuing to build connections with organizations that support those who have served.
There was also a strong recognition that the RCMP community is broad and diverse. It includes Regular Members, Civilian Members, Public Service Employees, and municipal employees—as well as their spouses, families, and survivors—each with their own experience of service and contribution. Ensuring all of these voices are reflected within the Association was seen as essential to its ongoing strength as a community.
Supporting Those Who Served
A central theme of the gathering was the way support continues to evolve—not as separate programs, but as a connected journey.
For many years, the Support & Advocacy Initiative has provided a foundation for this work. Through a national network of approximately 100 volunteers across Canada, veterans, spouses, survivors, and families are supported as they navigate pensions, health benefits, Veterans Affairs Canada programs, financial assistance, and survivor-related matters. At its core, it is about helping people find their way through complex systems when they need it most.
Building on this foundation, the PostDischarge Transition Program offers an earlier point of contact. It provides guidance before, during, and after leaving
the RCMP, helping individuals navigate one of life’s most significant transitions with trusted support and lived experience.
Rather than operating separately, these two initiatives are increasingly understood as part of a single continuum of care.
The Transition Program often begins the conversation. The Support & Advocacy network often carries it forward.
Together, they create a more complete picture of support—one that follows individuals through change, transition, and new beginnings.
A key milestone highlighted was the inclusion of the Transition Program in official RCMP discharge materials, including medical and compensation packages as well as the RCMP Family Guide. This reflects a growing alignment in how support is shared at the moment people begin preparing for life after service.
As the Association’s services continue to evolve, volunteers across Canada continue to give their time, experience, and care to support others. At its core, this work reflects a simple principle: those who have spent their careers serving others carry that commitment forward with one another.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Annual Meeting of Members and strategic planning sessions would not have been possible without the dedication of the Prince Edward Island Division organizing committee and volunteers. Their hard work, hospitality, and attention to detail created the conditions for meaningful conversation and genuine connection.
As the sun set over Charlottetown and the gathering came to a close, people began to prepare for their journey home, with a quiet sense of appreciation for the time they had shared and optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead.
The conversations that started in Charlottetown will continue next year in Quebec, where the next Annual Meeting of Members will be held. The Association looks forward to bringing people together once again from across the country to reconnect and continue shaping the future of the RCMP Veterans’ Association.
By Jennifer LeJeune
AITKEN | Reg. No. 19472, (O.810)
Supt. James Aitken (Rtd.), 87, died Dec. 30, 2024, at Arnprior, Ont. Born March 15, 1937, at Clydebank, Scotland, he joined the Force June 5, 1956, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at H, N, A, and HQ Divs., until retiring Aug. 27, 1989. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. He served as an Honorary Aide-deCamp to the Lt. Governor of Nova Scotia in 1973.
ANTONSON | Reg. No. 23235
S/Sgt. Dennis Brian Antonson (Rtd.), 81, died June 3, 2025, at Prince Albert, Sask. Born Oct. 9, 1943, at Victoria, B.C., he joined the Force Jan. 3, 1964, at Victoria, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F Div., until retiring July 4, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
ARCHAMBAULT | Reg. No. S/100
S/Cst. Joseph Aime Alphonse Archambault (Rtd.), 95, died June 25, 2025, at Granby, Que. Born Dec. 31, 1929, at Verdun, Que., he joined the Force Nov. 28, 1955, at Montreal, Que. He served at C Div., until retiring Dec. 1, 1977. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
ATKINSON | Reg. No. 23456
Sgt. David Bruce Atkinson (Rtd.), 80, died June 3, 2025, at Shelburne, N.S. Born Nov. 10, 1944, at Shelburne, N.S., he joined the Force April 8, 1964, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O Div., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
BANKS | Reg. No. 35104
Cst. Reginald Banks (Rtd.), 75, died June 25, 2025, at Springhill, N.S. Born April 7, 1950, at Fredericton, N.B., he joined the Force Oct. 3, 1978, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at H Div., until retiring March 31, 2011. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
BATES | Reg. No. 29012
Cst. Barry Philip Bates, 76, died June 29, 2025, at Edmonton, Alta. Born Aug. 26, 1948, at Rivers, Man., he joined the Force May 18, 1971, at Kamloops, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K Div., until June 30, 1988. He received a Suggestion Award for designing an “art kit case” as he identified problems in obtaining accurate facial drawings of suspects as the current equipment tended to smear drawings using grease pencils. Cst. Bates’ art kit case included a light box that enabled tracing inserts onto bond paper with an ordinary pencil from the light glow, so that smearing would be eliminated. Also all the artist’s equipment could be stored in one box, which prevented it being checked as a second bag when using public transport, such as airlines, to reduce risk of loss or damage.
BISHOP | Reg. No. S/1041, 40526
Cst. Robert George Bishop (Rtd.), 75, died June 15, 2025, at Wetaskiwin, Alta. Born Nov. 18, 1949, at Halifax, N.S., he joined the Force Jan. 11, 1974, at Ottawa, Ont., as a S/ Cst. He served at HQ Div. He had a change of status Nov. 18, 1988, and trained at Depot Div. He served at HQ and K Divs., until retiring June 10, 2004. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
BOOTH | Reg. No. C/795
C/M Thomas Beverley Booth (Rtd.), 82, died Aug. 18, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born June 11, 1943, at Ottawa, Ont., he joined the Force Sept. 23, 1970, at Ottawa, Ont., as an identification technician. He served at HQ and F Divs., until retiring Sept. 23, 2003. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Award, 30-year pin.
BOULANGER | Reg. No. 20443
S/Sgt. Joseph Henri Paul Royal Boulanger (Rtd.), 85, died Aug. 3, 2025, at Beloeil, Que. Born Oct. 5, 1939, at Warwick, Que., he joined the Force April 9, 1958, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at C Div., until retiring Aug. 12, 1990. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
BOWYER | Reg. No. 17909
S/Sgt. Hugh Dickson Bowyer (Rtd.), 91, died April 16, 2025, at Langley, B.C. Born May 6, 1933, at Montreal, Que., he joined the Force Oct. 1, 1952, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at E Div., until retiring May 6, 1979. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. He was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation and the British Empire Medal for “bravery…in assisting in the rescue of a miner trapped in a fall of frozen gypsum at a quarry near Windemere, B.C., on Nov. 29, 1955." He received a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for “courage and presence of mind at Fort St. James, B.C. on March 14, 1972, for arresting an armed and dangerous person.”
BREKER | Reg. No. 18908
Sgt. Ronald Michael Breker (Rtd.), 91, died May 7, 2025, at Coquitlam, B.C. Born April 17, 1934, at Engelfeld, Sask., he joined the Force April 12, 1955, at Saskatoon, Sask. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at E Div., until retiring June 1, 1981. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
BREWSTER | Reg. No. 33867
Cst. Michael Patrick Brewster (Rtd.), 71, died Aug. 17, 2025, at Chilliwack, B.C. Born Aug. 26, 1953, at Halifax, N.S., he joined the Force April 26, 1977, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E and O Divs., until retiring Sept. 27, 2002. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
BROCKWELL | Reg. No. 29365
Cpl. Howard Thomas Leo Brockwell, 75, died April 16, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born March 24, 1950, at Montreal, Que., he joined the Force Oct. 26, 1971, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A, D, O and HQ Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984.
BROOKS | Reg. No. 15444, (O.788)
Supt. Harold Edward Brooks (Rtd.), 95, died June 30, 2025, at Burlington, Ont. Born July 20, 1929, at Peterborough, Ont., he joined the Force June 8, 1948, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at L, E, HQ, O and H Divs., until retiring June 7, 1983. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
BURKI | Reg. No. 23027
S/Sgt. Willy Burki (Rtd.), 83, died Aug. 19, 2025, at Thunder Bay, Ont. Born April 23, 1942, at Bern, Switzerland, he joined the Force April 4, 1963, at Saskatoon, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at D Div., until retiring April 8, 1988. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
BURSEY | Reg. No. 27187
Sgt. Thomas Albert Bursey (Rtd.), 77, died April 22, 2025, at Gatineau, Que. Born Feb. 4, 1948, at Bell Island, Nfld., he joined the Force March 10, 1969, at St. John’s, Nfld. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at H, HQ, A, N, C and Depot Divs., until retiring May 13, 2005. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars, and the UNMIH Medal.
BUSSIERES
| Reg. No. 17472
S/Sgt. Jean Louis Jacques Maurice Bussieres (Rtd.), 93, died April 9, 2025, at Chambly, Que. Born Sept. 3, 1931, at Breakeyville, Que., he joined the Force Jan. 11, 1952, at Quebec City, Que. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at C Div., until retiring Jan. 27, 1975. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
CALVERLEY | Reg. No. C/1911
C/M Donna Belle Calverley, 84, died Dec. 27, 2024, at Ottawa, Ont. Born June 3, 1940, at Kenora, Ont., she joined the Force Feb. 24, 1976, at Ottawa, Ont., as an intelligence transcriber. She served at HQ until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984.
CHARLEBOIS
| Reg. No. 31066
Cpl. Joseph Luc Holley Charlebois (Rtd.), 71, died June 2, 2025, at Saint-Ignace, N.B. Born July 4, 1953, at Ottawa, Ont., he joined the Force Jan. 11, 1974, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at J Div., until retiring July 21, 2005. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
CHARLTON
| Reg. No. 32024
Cst. Walter Leslie Charlton (Rtd.), 77, died June 7, 2025, at Chilliwack, B.C. Born Oct. 25, 1947, at New Westminster, B.C., he joined the Force Nov. 1, 1974, at Surrey, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring May 8, 2002. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
CHARRON | Reg. No. C/4501
C/M Joseph Andre Michel Charron, 80, died June 11, 2025, at Rockland, Ont. Born Jan. 14, 1945, at Rockland, Ont., he joined the Force Nov. 22, 1993, at Ottawa, Ont., as the manager of the Print Shop. He served at HQ until retiring Jan. 14, 2000.
COOPER | Reg. No. 22343
S/Sgt. Alan Gene Cooper (Rtd.), 84, died July 2, 2025, at Manotick, Ont. Born Feb. 17, 1941, at Frost Village, Que., he joined the Force Feb. 1, 1962, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O, C and HQ Divs., until retiring Sept. 1, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
CROUCHER | Reg. No. 23740
Sgt. Allan George Croucher, 81, died Jan. 13, 2025, at Dunoon Argyll, Scotland. Born Feb. 8, 1943, at Winnipeg, Man., he joined the Force Nov. 10, 1964, at Vancouver, B.C. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at A, K and HQ Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984.
DANILOWICH | Reg. No. 26020
S/Sgt. Bronie Stanley Danilowich (Rtd.), 79, died July 19, 2025, at Krydor, Sask. Born July 11, 1946, at North Battleford, Sask., he joined the Force Aug. 21, 1967, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring April 21, 2010. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
DE SNAYER | Reg. No. 24084
Sgt. Dirk Cornelis De Snayer (Rtd.), 79, died June 1, 2025, at Orleans, Ont. Born Dec. 19, 1945, at Rotterdam, Holland, he joined the Force July 2, 1965, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at J Div., until purchasing his discharge March 28, 1969. He re-engaged Feb. 2, 1970, at Ottawa, Ont. He served at B, O and HQ Divs., until retiring Jan. 1, 1990. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
DEMERIEZ | Reg. No. S/2303, 18391
S/Cst. Richard John Herbert Demeriez (Rtd.), 92, died May 31, 2025, at Duncan, B.C. Born April 26, 1933, at Cold Lake, Alta., he joined the Force Oct. 13, 1953, at Edmonton, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E, G and Air Divs., until retiring Sept. 5, 1981. He converted to S/Cst. on Aug. 16, 1979.
DENNIS | Reg. No. 24138, (O.1368)
Supt. Edward George Dennis (Rtd.), 79, died May 3, 2025, at Brantford, Ont. Born Nov. 2, 1945, at Toronto, Ont., he joined the Force July 29, 1965, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at H, O, K, HQ and G Divs., until retiring Aug. 12, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
DOUGHTY | Reg. No. 20057
S/Sgt. Lewis George Doughty (Rtd.), 88, died June 17, 2025, at Barrie, Ont. Born May 7, 1937, at Windsor, Essex Co., Ont., he joined the Force July 2, 1957, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at B, K, Depot, E, N and HQ Divs., until retiring Aug. 1, 1983. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
EBURNE | Reg. No. S/3455, 43134
Cst. Kenneth Maitland Eburne, 79, died June 16, 2025, at Chatham, Ont. Born April 25, 1946, at Vancouver, B.C., he joined the Force March 13, 1987, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at HQ, A and E Divs., until retiring Nov. 13, 2002. He previously served in the Canadian Army from Jan. 15, 1963 – Sept. 29, 1963 and the Royal Canadian Air Force from Oct. 3, 1963 – Feb. 2, 1965.
EVANS | Reg. No. 22620
Sgt. James Frederick Evans (Rtd.), 82, died Feb. 23, 2025, at Penticton, B.C. Born Jan. 19, 1943, at Penticton, B.C., he joined the Force May 30, 1962, at Chilliwack, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F Div., until retiring Oct. 6, 1989. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
FALLON | Reg. No. 23072
S/Sgt. Michael James Fallon (Rtd.), 82, died May 25, 2025, at Parksville, B.C. Born Sept. 5, 1942, at Barrie, Ont., he joined the Force April 19, 1963, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F, Depot, HQ, H and E Divs., until retiring May 1, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
FALLS | Reg. No. 25131
Sgt. Thomas David Falls (Rtd.), 80, died May 25, 2025, at Vernon, B.C. Born Oct. 21, 1944, at Ottawa, Ont., he joined the Force Sept. 30, 1966, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E and HQ Divs., until retiring April 5, 2000. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
FOWLER | Reg. No. C/1017
C/M Leroy Clare Fowler (Rtd.), 97, died March 16, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Feb. 22, 1928, at High River, Alta, he joined the Force Nov. 18, 1971, at Ottawa, Ont. He served at HQ Div., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984. He was awarded the Long Service Award, 25-year pin.
FRANK | Reg. No. 17107
Sgt. Wilfred Frank (Rtd.), 93, died July 7, 2025, at Whitby, Ont. Born March 22, 1932, at Emerson, Man., he joined the Force July 19, 1951, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O Div., until retiring July 8, 1980. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
GAZEY | Reg. No. 15966, (O.674)
A/Commr. Peter Stanley Gazey (Rtd.), 94, died May 31, 2025, at Almonte, Ont. Born Dec. 11, 1930, at Ludlow, England, he joined the Force Oct. 28, 1949, at Vancouver, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K and HQ Divs., until retiring May 31, 1987, He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
GILLESPIE | Reg. No. 21932, S/3240
S/Cst. Harland Dale Gillespie (Rtd.), 84, died July 11, 2025, at St. Albert, Alta. Born Feb. 22, 1941, at Portage la Prairie, Man., he joined the Force April 21, 1961. He had a change of status to S/Cst. on Jan. 23, 1986. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A, F and Air Divs., until retiring April 24, 1988. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. He was awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for “searching for and locating, in the dark, in mountainous terrain, a Cessna 172, hopelessly lost in flight in a snowstorm some 90 air miles to the northeast, and safely led the plane back to Whitehorse” saving the pilot and three passengers in “what was rapidly developing into a fatal aircraft accident” on Oct. 29, 1976.
GOSSELIN | Reg. No. 34262, S/2600
S/Cst. Joseph Louis Gilles Gosselin (Rtd.), 71, died June 3, 2025, at Victoriaville, Que. Born May 2, 1954, at Victoriaville, Que., he joined the Force Sept. 27, 1977, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O and Air Div., until retiring Jan. 12, 2011. He had a change of status to S/Cst. on Oct. 1, 1981.
GRAHAM | Reg. No. 21200
Sgt. Robert Boyd Graham (Rtd.), 86, died July 17, 2025, at Penticton, B.C. Born April 30, 1939, at Princeton, B.C., he joined the Force Jan. 1, 1960, at Chilliwack, B.C. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at F Div., until purchasing his discharge May 15, 1967. He re-engaged Oct. 18, 1968, at Chilliwack, B.C., serving at E and HQ Divs., until retiring April 19, 1994. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
GRAINGER | Reg. No. 30388
Cpl. Martin George Trounce Grainger (Rtd.), 73, died June 3, 2025, at Winnipeg, Man. Born June 2, 1952, at Toronto, Ont., he joined the Force April 24, 1973, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at D Div., until retiring Nov. 13, 2007. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
HANSEN | Reg. No. S/1658
S/Cst. Jorgen Gunnar Hansen, 95, died July 1, 2025, at Calgary, Alta. Born March 23, 1930, at Fakse, Denmark, he joined the Force Nov. 12, 1975, at Calgary, Alta. He served at K Div., until retiring March 23, 1990.
HARVEY | Reg. No. 20228
S/Sgt. Ronald Leslie Harvey (Rtd.), 86, died June 24, 2025, at Calgary, Alta. Born May 12, 1939, at Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., he joined the Force Oct. 21, 1957, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O, G, A, HQ and K Divs., until retiring Dec. 31, 1979. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
INESON | Reg. No. 22150
Sgt. Peter Gordon Ineson (Rtd.), 82, died Aug. 9, 2025, at Halifax, N.S. Born Oct. 5, 1942, at Ottawa, Ont., he joined the Force Oct. 12, 1961, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at H and HQ Divs., until retiring Nov. 29, 1989. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
JANES | Reg. No. C/3415
C/M Emmeline Doreen Janes (née Hiscock), 95, died July 12, 2025, at Corner Brook, Nfld. Born July 28, 1929, at Champney’s West, Nfld., she joined the Force Oct. 9, 1984, at Corner Brook, Nfld., as a telecoms operator. She served at B Div., until retiring April 30, 1994.
JOHNSON | Reg. No. 29532
Cst. Michael Jerome Johnson (Rtd.), 74, died April 14, 2025, at Powell River, B.C. Born Dec. 2, 1950, at Vancouver, B.C., he joined the Force Feb. 2, 1972, at Vancouver, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at D Div., until retiring July 30, 1997. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
JOHNSON | Reg. No. 31139
Cpl. Phillip Blair Johnson (Rtd.), 70, died July 2, 2025, at Saskatoon, Sask. Born Aug. 5, 1954, at Moose Jaw, Sask., he joined the Force Feb. 4, 1974, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F Div., until retiring Aug. 16, 2008. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars, and the Saskatchewan Protective Service Medal.
KENNEY Reg. No. S/3097, 44248
Cst. Joseph Bruno Jean Pierre Kenney, 83, died June 9, 2025, at Gatineau, Que. Born May 27, 1942, at Northfield, Gatineau, Que., he joined the Force Jan. 24, 1986, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at HQ and A Divs., until retiring May 27, 1998. He previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces from June 6, 1960 – June 10, 1963 and Sept. 1, 1964 – March 13, 1986.
KINAS | Reg. No. 31273
Sgt. Eduard Gustav Kinas (Rtd.), 71, died June 24, 2025, at Moncton, N.B. Born May 4, 1954, at Calgary, Alta., he joined the Force March 12, 1974, at Calgary, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring March 12, 2003. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
KOVALICK | Reg. No. 20006
S/Sgt. John Kovalick (Rtd.), 87, died Aug. 15, 2025, at Surrey, B.C. Born May 8, 1938, at Cooksville, Ont., he joined the Force June 6, 1957, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at E Div., until retiring July 21, 1993. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
LAFOSSE | Reg. No. 31812
Cst. Cheryl Margaret Lafosse (Rtd.), 76, died April 14, 2025, at Conception Bay South, Nfld. Born March 16, 1949, at St. John’s, Nfld., she joined the Force Sept. 16, 1974, at St. John’s, Nfld. Upon completion of training at Depot, she served at H and B Divs., until retiring Dec. 8, 2005. She was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. She was a member of Troop 17, the first female troop to graduate from Depot on March 3, 1975.
LAFRAMBOISE | Reg. No. 20344, (O.1299)
Supt. Joseph Orphir Ronald Laframboise (Rtd.), 88, died April 29, 2025, at Hawkesbury, Ont. Born Feb. 1, 1937, at North Lancaster, Ont., he joined the Force Feb. 7, 1958, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at C and HQ Divs., until retiring April 17, 1992. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
LAMOUREUX | Reg. No. 19738
S/Sgt. Joseph Bernard Gustave Lamoureux (Rtd.) 91, died May 17, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Aug. 4, 1933, at Coaticook, Que., he joined the Force Jan. 4, 1957, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at J and A Divs., until retiring Jan. 25, 1992. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
LEBLANC | Reg. No. 21604
Sgt. Robert Leblanc (Rtd.), 84 died May 24, 2025, at Fredericton, N.B. Born Dec. 31, 1940, at Moncton, N.B., he joined the Force Sept. 22, 1960, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at H, Depot, A and J Divs., until retiring Oct. 23, 1981. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
LEHOUX | Reg. No. 27525
Sgt. Joseph Raymond Guy Lehoux, 75, died Aug. 5, 2025 at Brossard, Que. Born March 13, 1950, at Sherbrooke, Que., he joined the Force Septe. 23, 1969, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A, HQ and C Divs., until retiring May 3, 1985.
LINSWORTH | Reg. No. 27086, M/138, S/11164
M/Cst. Arthur Linsworth (Rtd.), 84, died Feb. 17, 2025, at North Sydney, N.S. Born Jan. 20, 1941, at North Sydney, N.S., he joined the Force Nov. 6, 1959, at Sydney, N.S. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at Marine, E and O Divs., until May 8, 1988. He engaged as a S/Cst. He had a change of status to M/Cst. April 1, 1960. He had a change of status to R/M Jan. 29, 1969, at Sydney, N.S. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
LITTLE | Reg. No. S/831, 40965
Cst. Robert Gordon Little (Rtd.), 89, died July 18, 2025, at Grand Bay-Westfield, N.B. Born March 25, 1936, at Saint John, N.B., he joined the Force July 6, 1973, at Fredericton, N.B., as a S/Cst. He had a change of status to regular member April 24, 1989. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
MAAS | Reg. No. 21377, (O.1043)
Supt. Donald Harold Maas (Rtd.), 86, died May 16, 2025, at Hanover, Ont. Born Feb. 27, 1939, at Neustadt, Ont., he joined the Force April 1, 1960, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K, O and HQ Divs., until retiring April 22, 1991. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. He served with the Kirkland Lake Police Department as Chief, and the Ontario Provincial Police.
MACKEY | Reg. No. 19321
Sgt. Richard Winn Mackey (Rtd.), 91, died April 12, 2025, at White Rock, B.C. Born Oct. 18, 1933, at Port Colbourne, Ont., he joined the Force April 9, 1956, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A and E Divs., until retiring June 2, 1989. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
MAFFETT | Reg. No. 19533, (O.1143)
Insp. William Charles Maffett (Rtd.), 89, died June 14, 2025, at Orleans, Ont. Born Sept. 3, 1935, at Ottawa, Ont., he joined the Force July 4, 1956, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at E and C Divs., until purchasing his discharge June 26, 1959. He re-engaged Oct. 3, 1960, at Ottawa, Ont., serving at A, O and HQ Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984. He re-engaged June 20, 1986, at Ottawa, Ont., the first former commissioned officer returning to the Force. He retired Feb. 5, 1990. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
MAKI | Reg. No. C/4900
C/M Earl Mathieu Maki, 77, died May 27, 2025, at Red Deer, Alta. Born May 9, 1948, at Eckville, Alta, he joined the Force Dec. 4, 1997, at Red Deer, Alta. He served at K Div., until retiring Sept. 9, 2009.
MARKUS | Reg. No. 23142
S/Sgt. Willam Ted Markus (Rtd.), 82, died Aug. 21, 2025, at Saskatoon, Sask. Born July 31, 1943, at St. Boniface, Man., he joined the Force July 26, 1963, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F Div., until retiring July 31, 1996. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars, and the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.
MARTELL | Reg. No. 23825, (O.1274)
A/Commr. Wayne Francis Martell (Rtd.), 80, died July 17, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Jan. 24, 1945, at Halifax, N.S., he joined the Force Jan. 15, 1965, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at J, HQ, C and A Divs., until retiring April 8, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
MCANDREW | Reg. No. 41885
Cst. Daryle Dennis Dale McAndrew (Rtd.), 79, died May 1, 2025, at Lachute, Que. Born May 19, 1945, at Lachute, Que., he joined the Force Feb. 9, 1976, at Montreal, Que. He served at C Div., until retiring July 2, 1997. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
MCBRATNEY | Reg. No. 26512
Sgt. William Hugh McBratney (Rtd.), 79, died July 12, 2025, at Parksville, B.C. Born Sept. 27, 1945, at Flin Flon, Man., he joined the Force April 8, 1968, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until time expired April 7, 1973. He re-engaged Aug. 16, 1976, at Vancouver, B.C., serving at E Div., until retiring Aug. 23, 2000.
MCCOLLISTER | Reg. No. 34566
Cst. Wesley Crawford McCollister (Rtd.), 67, died Aug. 12, 2025, at Fernie, B.C. Born June 13, 1958, at Calgary, Alta., he joined the Force Feb. 7, 1978, at Lethbridge, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring Feb. 28, 2008. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. He was awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation on July 27, 1978 while in training at Depot with a colleague for “alertness and quick action …for undoubtedly preventing the rape and/or serious injury of a woman on the night of June 21/22, 1978 when, the two members noted a woman in trouble, investigated the matter and took positive responsive action.”
MERTENS
| Reg. No. C/305
C/M Jean Paul Noel Mertens (Rtd.), 82, died April 30, 2025, at Gloucester, Ont. Born Dec. 11, 1942, at Quebec City, Que., he joined the Force May 25, 1964, at Ottawa, Ont., as a fingerprint technician. He served at HQ and A Divs., until retiring June 3, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Award, Silver Clasp and Stars.
MIDDLEMISS | Reg. No. 22539
S/Sgt. James Frederick Middlemiss (Rtd.), 83, died June 26, 2025, at Penticton, B.C. Born June 18, 1942, at Kincaid, Sask., he joined the Force May 9, 1962, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at D and HQ Divs., until retiring Nov. 21, 1983. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
MOROZ | Reg. No. 19515
Sgt. Walter Moroz (Rtd.), 89, died June 14, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Dec. 11, 1935, at Vegreville, Alta., he joined the Force June 29, 1956, at Edmonton, Alta. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at F, J, K and HQ Divs., until retiring April 5, 1994. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
MURDOCK | Reg. No. 19261
Cpl. John Murdock (Rtd.), 88, died Sept. 1, 2024, at Ruthven, Ont. Born Jan. 12, 1936, at Windsor, Ont., he joined the Force Feb. 14, 1956, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at J, B and O Divs., until retiring May 5, 1986. He was awarded the RMCP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
MURRAY | Reg. No. 17222
Sgt. Joseph Angus Murray (Rtd.), 94, died April 6, 2025, at Woodstock, N.B. Born Feb. 27, 1931, at Halifax, N.S., he joined the Force Aug. 31, 1951, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at HQ and J Divs., until purchasing his discharge Sept. 17, 1978. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
NICHOLSON | Reg. No. 26466
Sgt. Robert Wayne Nicholson (Rtd.), 77, died May 24, 2025, at Cambridge, Ont. Born Sept. 2, 1947, at Saint John, N.B., he joined the Force April 1, 1968, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A, B and O Divs., until retiring May 15, 2002. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
NOBLE | Reg. No. 29728
Sgt. Murray Paul Noble, 75, died April 28, 2025, at Fredericton, N.B. Born March 20, 1950, at Fredericton, N.B., he joined the Force April 19, 1972, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at D Div., until retiring Aug. 5, 2002.
PAMAK | Reg. No. S/369
S/Cst. Thomas Jonas Pamak (Rtd.), 85, died June 5, 2025, at Nain, Nfld. Born July 30, 1939, at Nain, Nfld, he joined the Force May 12, 1968, at Hopedale, Labrador. He served at B Div., until retiring April 8, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
PAYETTE | Reg. No. S/625
S/Cst. Joseph Laurent Jacques Payette, 75, died May 6, 2025, at Renfrew, Ont. Born Nov. 26, 1949, at Buckingham, Que., he joined the Force June 26, 1972, at Ottawa, Ont. He served at HQ and A Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984.
PORTER | Reg. No. 18509
Sgt. Robert Fraser Porter (Rtd.), 89, died June 7, 2025, at Calgary, Alta. Born Nov. 3, 1935, at New Glasgow, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O Div., until being discharged April 12, 1957. He re-engaged June 1, 1961, at Regina, Sask. He served at A, HQ and F Divs., until retiring Jan. 2, 1984. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
POTTER | Reg. No. 18071
Sgt. Carlyle Whitman Potter (Rtd.), 91, died May 26, 2025, at Collingwood, Ont. Born May 19, 1934, at Hopkinton, Mass., U.S., he joined the Force Jan. 15. 1953, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A, HQ, E and O Divs., until retiring Sept. 3, 1979. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
RAMSAY | Reg. No. 23977
S/Sgt. Robert John Ramsay (Rtd.), 82, died May 4, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Oct. 2, 1942, at Edinburgh, Scotland, he joined the Force April 23, 1965, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E, N, O and HQ Divs., until retiring Nov. 26, 2002. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars, and the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.
ROSSANDER | Reg. No. 22485
S/Sgt. David Peter Rossander (Rtd.), 84, died Feb. 3, 2025, at Richmond, B.C. Born June 10, 1940, at Calgary, Alta., he joined the Force April 13, 1962, at Calgary, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring April 13, 1985. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
ROY | Reg. No. 16835
S/Sgt. Gerard Majella Roy (Rtd.), 93, died June 18, 2025 at Saint-Bruno, Que. Born Nov. 10, 1931, at Amqui, Que., he joined the Force Jan. 31, 1951, at Quebec City, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at C Div., until retiring Sept. 6, 1977. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
ROY | Reg. No. 18442, (O.805)
Supt. Jack McNaughton Roy (Rtd.), 91, died June 27, 2025, at Qualicum Beach, B.C. Born May 19, 1934, at Sudbury, Ont., he joined the Force Nov. 12, 1953, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at C, Depot, E, N, P, K and HQ Divs., until retiring Sept. 1, 1986. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
RUSS | Reg. No. S/1967, 43472
Cst. Walter Clarence Russ (Rtd.), 78, died June 26, 2025, at Queen Charlotte, B.C. Born June 6, 1947, at Queen Charlotte, B.C., he joined the Force Jan. 12, 1978, at Vancouver, B.C. He served at E Div., until retiring Feb. 20, 2002. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
SADLEIR | Reg. No. 23211
S/Sgt. James Cameron Sadleir (Rtd.), 81, died March 3, 2025, at Edmonton, Alta. Born Oct. 28, 1943, at St. Thomas, Ont., he joined the Force Nov. 1, 1963, at Calgary, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F, HQ and K Divs., until retiring April 13, 1990. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
SADOWSKY | Reg. No. 18067, (O.107)
Insp. Hilton Sadowsky (Rtd.), 91, died Aug. 11, 2024, at Coquitlam, B.C. Born June 19, 1933, at Redfield, Sask., he joined the Force Jan. 12, 1953, at Saskatoon, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E and HQ Divs., until retiring June 16, 1989. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
SIGURDSON | Reg. No. 24363
Sgt. Garry Leonard Sigurdson, 79, died May 16, 2025, at Sherwood Park, Alta. Born June 5, 1945, at Gimli, Man., he joined the Force Nov. 24, 1965, at New Westminster, B.C. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at K and HQ Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984.
STARK | Reg. No. 28322
Cpl. Barry Wayne Stark (Rtd.), 75, died May 26, 2025, at Kamloops, B.C. Born Oct. 24, 1949, at Moose Jaw, Sask., he joined the Force Sept. 8, 1970, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring Feb. 24, 1999. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
TEIXEIRA | Reg. No. C/1244
C/M Heinrich Julian Teixeira, 89, died Oct. 10, 2024, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Oct. 26, 1934, at Georgetown, British Guyana, he joined the Force Nov. 1, 1972, at Fredericton, N.B. He served at HQ Div., until retiring Nov. 29, 1989.
TERRY | Reg. No. 27382
S/Sgt. Edward Francis Terry (Rtd.), 76, died June 13, 2025, at London, Ont. Born July 10, 1948, at Chapel’s Cove, Nfld., he joined the Force June 2, 1969, at St. John’s, Nfld. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at L, B and O Divs., until retiring July 12, 2003. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
TORRESAN | Reg. No. 17831, (O.903)
Supt. Merne Francis Torresan (Rtd.), 92, died April 26, 2025, at Port Moody, B.C. Born Aug. 24, 1932, at Trail, B.C., he joined the Force July 21, 1952, at Nelson, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F Div., until purchasing his discharge Sept. 11, 1953. He re-engaged Oct. 4, 1954, at Ottawa, Ont. He served at A, D, HQ and E Divs., until retiring Aug. 12, 1988. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
URBSHOTT | Reg. No. 24068
Cpl. Murray Melvin Urbshott (Rtd.), 79, died April 20, 2025, at Calgary, Alta. Born Oct. 14, 1945, at Wiarton, Ont., he joined the Force June 30, 1965, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K Div., until retiring July 3, 1988. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
VACHON | Reg. No. 42498
Cst. Joseph Fernand Rolland Vachon, 80, died July 18, 2025, at Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Que. Born Feb. 27, 1945, at Ottawa, Ont., he joined the Force Aug. 7, 1987, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at C Div., until retiring Jan. 24, 2001. He previously served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from Aug. 13, 1963 – Jan. 31, 1968 and the Canadian Armed Forces from Feb. 1, 1968 – Sept. 29, 1987.
VAILLANCOURT | Reg. No. C/2191
C/M Mary Theresa Vaillancourt, 94, died June 17, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born May 10, 1931, at Farrellton, Que., she joined the Force July 19, 1977, at Ottawa, Ont. She served at HQ in Photographic Services, until retiring July 31, 1989.
WALL | Reg. No. 32973
Cpl. Joseph Lloyd Stephen Wall (Rtd.), 72, died June 25, 2025, at Calgary, Alta. Born Jan. 1, 1953, at Naudville, Lac St. Jean, Que., he joined the Force Nov. 3, 1975, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring Nov. 8, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
WARNER | Reg. No. 17846
S/Sgt. Joseph Ralph Warner (Rtd.), 91, died Oct. 29, 2023, at Winnipeg, Man. Born Sept. 19, 1932, at Lampman, Sask., he joined the Force Aug. 4, 1952, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O Div., until purchasing his discharge June 30, 1954. He re-engaged May 30, 1956, at Red Deer, Alta., serving at K, E and F Divs., until retiring Oct. 5, 1977. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
WASS | Reg. No. 22495, (O.1364)
Supt. Robert William Wass (Rtd.), 82, died June 15, 2025, at Winnipeg, Man. Born April 11, 1943, at Sudbury, Ont., he joined the Force April 13, 1962, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at D, F, HQ and K Divs., until retiring June 30, 1997. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars, and the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.
WHITE | Reg. No. S/742
S/Cst. John Francis White, 95, died May 6, 2025, at Lethbridge, Alta. Born Aug. 8, 1929, at Sunny Brae, Moncton, N.B., he joined the Force April 19, 1973. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K Div., until resigning July 15, 1978. He re-engaged April 8, 1980, at Calgary, Alta., serving at K Div., until retiring Aug. 7, 1989. He was awarded the UN Service Medal, and the UN Medal (UNFICYP). He previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces from Sept. 16, 1948 – June 27, 1973.
WIEBE | Reg. No. 18213
S/Sgt. John Wiebe (Rtd.), 91, died May 13, 2025, at White Rock, B.C. Born Jan. 11, 1934, at Winkler, Man., he joined the Force June 13, 1953, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A and HQ Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
ZAWYRUCHA | Reg. No. 16946
S/Sgt. John Zawyrucha (Rtd.), 93, died April 22, 2025, at Coldstream, B.C. Born Nov. 28, 1931, at Invermay, Sask., he joined the Force April 16, 1951, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K and HQ Divs., until retiring July 2, 1979. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
PROMOTIONS
JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2026
NAME & RANK REG. NO. DIV.
Agha, Sgt. M. 61278 V 2026-02-27
Anderson, Cpl. F. 58755 E 2026-01-08
Armstrong, Cpl. P. 58660 D 2026-02-11
Arnold, Sgt. K. 55813 E 2026-01-01
Arseneau, Sgt. P. 62110 J 2026-03-15
Astephen, Supt. D. O.3232 HQ 2026-03-22
Bertrand, Insp. J. O.3758 E 2026-01-03
Biln, H. C/9324 E 2026-01-12
Black, Cpl. N. 59393 K 2026-01-28
Boucher, Sgt. J. 64102 D 2026-03-06
Brock, Cpl. T. 53680 E 2026-02-02
Brown, Cpl. N. 56153 E 2026-03-05
Castelo, Cpl. R. 62906 F 2026-01-13
Chamberland, Cpl. M. 63891 C 2026-01-14
Chow, Cpl. P.H. 61376 E 2026-02-24
Clamens, Sgt. G. 58371 O 2026-01-16
Dales, M. C/7169 F 2026-02-05
Decaens, Insp. S. O.3756 J 2026-02-02
Doucette, Sgt. R. 57090 F 2026-01-05
Duret, Cpl. J. 55467 F 2026-02-27
Dyall, T. C/7493 HQ 2026-03-19
Eberts, Cpl. D. 59108 D 2026-03-20
Fast, Sgt. B. 61729 M 2026-02-26
Fowler, Cpl. T. 60707 D 2026-01-19
Frisky, Cpl. D. 45475 A 2026-03-08
Gaetz, Cpl. S. 62704 F 2026-02-10
Gardiner, Cpl. S. 60579 D 2026-01-19
Gaudreau, Cpl. J.-F. 60708 M 2026-03-23
Gillis, Cpl. N. 58312 M 2026-01-05
Glode, S/Sgt. K. 58345 HQ 2026-03-01
Gouw, Sgt. S. 60239 F 2026-01-09
Graham, Cpl. J. 57065 E 2026-03-18
Grunow, Insp. D. O.3761 K 2026-02-04
Hernandez, Sgt. P. 56079 B 2026-02-20
Hoskins, Insp. L. O.3762 HQ 2026-03-20
Jenkins, Cpl. M. 50482 F 2026-02-27
Johnson, Supt. M. O.3538 K 2026-02-22
Joseph, Cpl. J. 60834 C 2026-01-14
Kassis, Cpl. M. 60106 A 2026-03-20
Khaira, H. C/9308 E 2026-03-30
Kim, Cpl. K. 65066 G 2026-01-28
Kowalewich, Cpl. M. 63512 E 2026-03-09
Lang, Cpl. S. 60935 E 2026-01-03
Lange, Supt. C. O.3484 HQ 2026-02-08
Lauriault, Sgt. P. 46890 F 2026-01-09
Lauzon, S/Sgt. A. 50781 J 2026-01-16
Leblanc, Sgt. S. 52321 J 2026-01-30
MacKay, Cpl. C. 61471 D 2026-01-19
Mansey, Cpl. V. 62162 HQ 2026-01-23
Matheson, S/Sgt. S. 53978 E 2026-01-29
McElwain, Sgt. A. 53751 E 2026-02-13
Milotte, S/Sgt. D. 49122 O 2026-02-06
Mostafa, Cpl. Y. 63935 K 2026-01-04
Oke, Cpl. G. 61393 D 2026-01-11
O’Neill, Sgt. S. 54921 K 2026-01-11
Paciejewski, Cpl. T. 64115 E 2026-01-26
Parsons, S/Sgt. K. 52622 H 2026-01-30
Pho, Sgt. S. 56922 HQ 2026-02-05
Pollock, Insp. L. O.3764 E 2026-03-11
Ramey, Cpl. B. 62197 J 2026-02-10
Rawson, Cpl. J. 63603 E 2026-01-29
Robertshaw, Sgt. R. 59712 E 2026-01-08
Robinson, Cpl. M. 61239 H 2026-02-06
Robinson, Sgt. S. 49148 D 2026-01-15
Rogers, Sgt. K. 54646 E 2026-01-15
Russell, Cpl. W.D. 62894 E 2026-02-11
Shamblaw, Sgt. K. 59092 K 2026-01-02
Shewchuk, Cpl. K. 59387 E 2026-02-28
Shewchuk, Sgt. J. 57660 E 2026-02-05
Smith, S/Sgt. G. 51670 HQ 2026-03-12
Sutherland, Cpl. C. 59417 E 2026-01-15
Turko, S/Sgt. D. 48445 D 2026-01-26
Turner, Cpl. D. 54942 K 2026-02-04
Vekeman, Cpl. E. 53138 V 2026-01-09
Walcott, Insp. K. O.3759 H 2026-01-19
Waters, Cpl. A. 61109 H 2026-01-05
Wavrychuk, Cpl. L.-J. 55156 H 2026-02-12
Wentzell, Insp. N. O.3765 H 2026-03-13
Wright, Cpl. A. 63916 B 2026-02-15
Yung, S/Sgt. W. 58591 E 2026-02-12
RETIREMENTS
JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2026
Aboumitri, R. C/6353 O 2026-01-09
Alyward, Cst. R. 51743 E 2026-02-21
Armstrong, Cst. T. 52278 E 2026-02-27
Ashdown, Cpl. L. 49344 E 2026-03-30
Baldwin, S/M T. 47703 B 2026-01-06
Barr, S/Sgt. J. 46970 O 2026-03-25
Bartlett, Cst. G. 55407 E 2026-03-25
Bartley, K. C/9515 K 2026-03-01
Beardsmore, S/Sgt. M. 45114 E 2026-03-05
Beaulac, A/Commr. J. O.2423 HQ 2026-02-10
Bennett, Cst. C. 53361 K 2026-02-09
Beyea, Cst. G. 62145 J 2026-01-01
Bhatti, Supt. M. O.2944 E 2026-02-27
Bickle, Cst. D. 57976 E 2026-02-01
Bilmer, Cpl. S. 53594 E 2026-03-31
Black, Cst. D. 56901 H 2026-01-16
Black, S/Sgt. E. 48365 K 2026-03-07
Blake, Cst. A. 66125 K 2026-01-03
Boissonneault, S/Sgt. J. 44433 HQ 2026-02-27
Bourne, Cst. T. 61758 B 2026-01-06
Bowman, K. C/4302 HQ 2026-01-01
Bowyer, Sgt. R. 49424 O 2026-01-06
Bray, Cst. D. 58039 J 2026-01-30
Brophy, S/Sgt. K. 44995 HQ 2026-01-06
Burn, Cst. A. 52724 E 2026-01-03
Cameron, Cpl. A. 44321 E 2026-01-01
Cameron, Cst. H. 64604 D 2026-03-04
Carter, Sgt. B. 48238 E 2026-02-11
Castonguay, C/Supt. C. O.2803 HQ 2026-01-06
Chartier, Cst. J. 44372 E 2026-02-18
Church, Supt. G. O.3203 F 2026-03-31
Claxton, Cst. G. 62209 K 2026-03-19
Coates, Cst. S. 58537 K 2026-02-02
Cole, Cst. J. 56934 K 2026-02-02
Connors, S. C/4888 H 2026-03-31
Cook, Cst. A. 48858 K 2026-02-09
Cook, Cst. J. 66957 E 2026-01-30
Cooze, Cst. A. 44632 J 2026-02-18
Craig, S/Sgt. D. 48912 E 2026-03-06
Cramm, Cst. J. 64126 K 2026-02-02
Cunningham, Cpl. J. 53834 K 2026-01-06
Da Silva, Sgt. A. 48243 K 2026-02-07
Dalman, Cst. A. 63242 E 2026-03-31
Damgajian, Cpl. A. 47847 E 2026-01-08
Deibert, Cpl. J. 57214 K 2026-03-04
Demello, L. C/8625 E 2026-01-22
Denstedt, Sgt. T. 46390 O 2026-03-14
Devine, D. C/5896 K 2026-02-02
Dewitt, Cst. S. 58785 J 2026-02-17
Dhanoa, S/Sgt. G. 44861 HQ 2026-01-07
Doucette, Cpl. R. 52797 K 2026-02-05
Dubois, Cst. E. 59137 A 2026-01-01
Duggan, Cst. S. 45110 K 2026-02-06
Dyck, Cst. J. 50505 E 2026-03-30
Dykun, Cst. W. 49069 D 2026-01-15
Edinger, Sgt. J. 47451 E 2026-02-03
Edwards, A/Commr. B. O.2738 E 2026-01-17
Elson, Cst. B. 52112 H 2026-03-05
Farrell, Sgt. C. 47094 D 2026-02-01
Feero, Cst. T. 52137 K 2026-03-02
Ferrell, Cpl. A. 50188 E 2026-01-02
Fontaine, Sgt. D. 46931 K 2026-02-15
Fortin, S/Sgt. M. 44481 J 2026-02-21
Fossen, Sgt. D. 46678 K 2026-01-02
Foster, Cst. T. 53633 E 2026-01-06
Fox, Cst. H. 46996 E 2026-02-19
Francoeur, Cpl. S. 51753 J 2026-01-03
Gallant, Cst. J. 59224 H 2026-03-05
Garcia, Cpl. B. 52262 HQ 2026-01-14
Girard, A. C/4961 HQ 2026-01-01
Goldson, Cpl. M. 50109 E 2026-02-12
Goodyear, Cpl. D. 50110 E 2026-01-06
Grey, Cst. P. 66046 E 2026-01-06
Gudmundson, Cpl. S. 50884 K 2026-02-03
Harkness, Cpl. T. 53509 E 2026-02-18
Hawkins, Cst. D. 49915 O 2026-02-12
Hawley, Cst. M. 63732 E 2026-01-23
Heisler, Sgt. C. 46564 D 2026-01-21
Hess, Cst. K. 42407 O 2026-03-30
Hnatuk, Cst. M. 55338 D 2026-02-03
Holmes, Cpl. J. 46092 E 2026-02-12
Holmes, Cpl. M. 46163 E 2026-02-13
Hung, S/Sgt. R. 46661 O 2026-03-19
Huot, R. C/4679 K 2026-02-05
Hutchings-Archibald, Cst. R. 59961 K 2026-01-17
Jaswal, M. C/5576 E 2026-03-22
Javoric, Cst. M. 52376 E 2026-03-19
Johnston, Cst. D. 49137 H 2026-02-27
Kang, S/Sgt. K. 47547 E 2026-03-05
Katalinic, Cpl. J. 49702 E 2026-01-17
Katerenchuk, Cst. D. 52495 K 2026-01-04
RETIREMENTS
JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2026
Kelders, Sgt. J. 47573 E 2026-02-24
Kennedy, Supt. W. O.3088 HQ 2026-02-21
Kent, Sgt. H. 47184 E 2026-03-10
Kohnen, C. C/4180 HQ 2026-02-01
Koughan, Sgt. D. 46165 H 2026-01-08
Kozey, D. C/8069 K 2026-03-07
Kozlowski, Cpl. A. 46187 E 2026-02-21
Lamb, Cpl. S. 49578 K 2026-01-17
Lang, A. C/8362 J 2026-03-29
Lange, R. C/9449 HQ 2026-03-29
Lavoie, Cst. G. 63452 F 2026-02-24
LeBlanc, S/Sgt. D. 49329 HQ 2026-03-20
LeBlanc, S/Sgt. E. 44127 T 2026-01-06
Lechky, Cpl. J. 51868 V 2026-02-19
Ledoux, S/Sgt. M. 54241 J 2026-03-14
Lee, S/Sgt. D. 40886 HQ 2026-03-03
Lempinen, Cpl. V. 55636 E 2026-02-04
Lépine, P. C/8005 HQ 2026-03-19
Levas, Sgt. N. 47997 E 2026-01-20
Levy, A/Commr. M. O.2575 E 2026-01-18
Ling, Cst. K. 59494 K 2026-02-14
Liu, Y. C/9881 E 2026-03-04
Llambias, S/Sgt. J. 45945 HQ 2026-01-03
Lounsbury, Sgt. B. 47944 E 2026-01-22
Lovas, Cpl. M. 46144 F 2026-02-19
Maccallum, Insp. A. O.3562 H 2026-01-14
MacIntosh, Supt. A. O.3299 E 2026-01-26
Mackay, Cst. T. 61898 E 2026-03-13
MacLean, Cst. A. 53845 E 2026-03-27
Mailloux, Sgt. C. 46892 K 2026-03-16
Malenfant, S/Sgt. T. 49272 J 2026-02-12
Marcil, Cst. S. 60516 E 2026-03-14
Martell, Cst. B. 57102 H 2026-02-17
Mattu, Sgt. M. 46673 E 2026-02-05
McCallion, Cst. P. 52838 H 2026-02-03
McCleary, Cst. M. 54721 E 2026-01-03
McGarrity, C. D0211 HQ 2026-01-06
McIntyre, Cst. K. 60133 E 2026-01-17
McPhail, C. C/7857 HQ 2026-02-11
McQuaid, Sgt. K. 52293 H 2026-03-12
Meloche, Cpl. T. 48840 K 2026-01-24
Miller, S/Sgt. S. 42748 V 2026-03-01
Milton, Cst. M. 49241 F 2026-01-23
Moe, S/Sgt. K. 46359 E 2026-01-08
Morgan, Insp. V. O.3277 O 2026-02-10
Morin, Cst. A. 47512 O 2026-02-06
Mucha, Cst. J. 65529 E 2026-03-26
Muir, Cpl. D. 41509 E 2026-03-13
Munro, C/Supt. T. O.3016 F 2026-03-01
Munro, Cst. T. 54004 H 2026-02-20
Murphy, L. D0303 E 2026-02-14
Nadeau, Cpl. A. 48252 K 2026-02-06
Neufeld, Cst. T. 57993 E 2026-02-06
Northey, Cst. R. 57524 K 2026-02-05
O’Connell, Cst. D. 59089 K 2026-02-14
Orr, D. C/4200 HQ 2026-03-02
Osborne, S/Cst. B. 159703 O 2026-02-21
Otto, Cpl. R. 56337 E 2026-01-12
Panchuk, Cst. R. 50708 F 2026-03-19
Parent, Cst. J. 65807 K 2026-02-12
Parent-Roy, Cst. B. 66538 J 2026-03-03
Patreau, Sgt. M. 47852 K 2026-01-10
Paul, Cpl. B. 55211 E 2026-03-06
Paul, Sgt. C. 47837 K 2026-01-01
Peh, Cst. V. 54060 E 2026-01-03
Pelley, Sgt. D. 51791 E 2026-03-19
Perrault, Cst. T. 43415 E 2026-03-26
Perry, Cst. J. 56372 L 2026-03-01
Peters, Sgt. P. 53666 K 2026-02-16
Pike, Cpl. K. 56673 B 2026-01-09
Pomeroy, C/Supt. A. O.3006 J 2026-01-03
Preston, Supt. T. O.3228 E 2026-01-20
Price, Cpl. R. 42792 E 2026-03-13
Prihar, S/Sgt. P. 44585 HQ 2026-02-19
Provost, Cst. I. 52661 C 2026-01-21
Pulzoni, Cst. C. 65260 E 2026-03-21
Radu, Supt. D. O.3030 HQ 2026-01-22
Ravenhill, Insp. H. O.3480 K 2026-01-31
Reid, A. C/3126 HQ 2026-01-29
Reynolds, Sgt. S. 46707 H 2026-01-22
Richard, Cpl. R. 43339 C 2026-03-28
Roberts, Cst. D. 58055 E 2026-01-21
Robinson, Cst. A. 53077 K 2026-03-15
Rogers, S/Sgt. S. 48199 E 2026-01-09
Rousseau, Insp. S. O.3505 O 2026-01-10
Rutten, Cst. K. 45384 E 2026-01-16
Ryan, Supt. M. O.3309 HQ 2026-01-27
Saint-Denis, F. C/8518 HQ 2026-02-01
Sandhu, Sgt. K. 45001 HQ 2026-01-27
Sanichar, Sgt. P. 45743 O 2026-02-17
Schaible, S/M B. 46941 D 2026-01-06
Schmiedt, Cst. N. 67663 K 2026-01-02
RETIREMENTS
JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2026
RANK
Scribner, Cpl. P. 52410 J 2026-02-09
Seguin, Cst. C. 49589 K 2026-03-04
Sesely, S/Sgt. C. 38553 HQ 2026-01-06
Shearman, Cst. S. 61268 D 2026-01-21
Shepherd, S/Cst. K. 96268 K 2026-01-01
Sibley, Cpl. M. 58000 F 2026-01-27
Sidhu, Cpl. J. 47895 E 2026-01-05
Simon, Cst. J. 55217 J 2026-01-17
Singer, Cst. T. 55620 H 2026-01-29
Skeans, Cpl. R. 59532 G 2026-01-16
Slater, Cst. J. 57202 E 2026-02-18
Sloan, Sgt. M. 48122 K 2026-03-26
Smith, Cst. C. 46986 HQ 2026-01-08
Smith, Cst. J. 53498 K 2026-02-25
Spoor, Cst. J. 49839 E 2026-02-05
Spyrka, Cpl. D. 46732 E 2026-01-20
Staveley, S/Sgt. S. 53473 E 2026-02-17
Sterling, Cpl. M. 44438 HQ 2026-03-12
St-Laurent, D. C/5218 HQ 2026-01-24
Sureault, Cst. M.-E. 57109 J 2026-03-26
Suttie, Cst. R. 55484 E 2026-02-27
Thompson, Cst. G. 67172 K 2026-02-09
Thuot, S/Cst. B. 75143 HQ 2026-01-31
Todd, Cst. M. 64910 D 2026-01-08
Touchette, Sgt. M. 43427 HQ 2026-03-17
Turpin, S/Sgt. J. 48555 E 2026-02-19
Tyson, Insp. W. O.3034 E 2026-02-04
Van Driel, F. D0383 K 2026-03-11
Van Woerden, Cst. J. 56887 E 2026-03-20
Vandermolen, Cst. T. 52818 E 2026-02-27
Vecchio, Cpl. A. 42078 E 2026-01-06
Vestre, L. C/6380 K 2026-01-07
Vickers, S/Sgt. P. 44084 H 2026-01-03
Vince, S/Sgt. S. 50404 E 2026-03-13
Ward, Supt. D. O.3339 H 2026-01-17
Warkentin, Cpl. J. 47810 D 2026-03-19
Washbrook, Cpl. B. 47845 E 2026-03-17
Wedholm, Cst. E. 55847 E 2026-02-20
Wilkinson, Cpl. C. 59188 E 2026-02-03
Williams, S/Sgt. T. 45303 HQ 2026-03-05
Williams, Sgt. S. 49747 E 2026-02-02
Willushaw, Insp. T. O.3544 K 2026-03-05
Wilson, S. C/6171 D 2026-02-21
Withycombe, Sgt. M. 47874 E 2026-01-08
Wong, Cpl. R. 42022 E 2026-02-19
Yelle, Sgt. S. 44381 C 2026-03-18
Young, Cst. J. 51512 K 2026-02-16
THE LAST WORD
The Carefully Crafted RCMP Tartan
DID YOU KNOW that the RCMP has an official Scottish tartan?
DIt’s true. The RCMP has had its own tartan since 1998, when it was created to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Force. But creating the tartan was extremely difficult and involved people from British Columbia to Ontario, as well as the Scottish Highlands and Buckingham Palace.
Scottish tartans have long been symbols of family, clan, regions and districts. The idea to create a special tartan for the RCMP had been kicking around since the 1980s. But it took a volunteer committee formed in the early 1990s to get the ball rolling on actually designing a tartan for the RCMP in time for the Force’s 125th anniversary in 1998.
After careful consideration and much debate, the committee selected a tartan design based on the artwork of a Mrs. Violet Holmes in Burnaby, B.C. However, to ensure that the tartan was unique to the RCMP and that it represented Force traditions, it was produced in partnership with Burnett’s and Struth Scottish Regalia in Barrie, Ont., as well as Lochcarron of Scotland woolen mills in the United Kingdom.
Once the tartan was crafted, it was shipped to Ottawa for approval by then-Commissioner Phillip Murray, who reportedly liked it very much. However, before the tartan was officially registered with the Scottish Tartans Society in Pitlochry, Scotland, it made a stop at Buckingham Palace in London, England. There, Queen Elizabeth II gave her blessing to the new RCMP tartan, which enabled it to be
formally registered with the Scottish Tartans Society.
Queen Elizabeth then asked her only daughter, Princess Anne, to present the tartan to the RCMP during her visit to Canada in 1998.
The tartan was first worn by a band of RCMP pipers and drummers at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo in July and August 1998. It can be seen regularly today at ceremonial occasions around the world that involve RCMP members.
However, the tartan’s rich design and colours are each symbolic and taken from the Force’s uniform and badge, representing RCMP history and traditions. Here is a breakdown of the tartan colours and what each means:
• Dark blue: Taken from the traditional breeches worn by RCMP members.
• Scarlet: Representative of the worldrenowned red serge tunic.
• Yellow: Showcasing the cavalry stripe on RCMP pants and the band on the forage cap.
• Sienna brown: Is from the bison that’s at the centrepiece of the Force badge.
• Forest green: Meant to represent the maple leaf, a distinctly Canadian symbol.
• White: Taken from the lanyard worn with the ceremonial uniform.
• Sky blue: Symbolizes the beret worn by the RCMP as United Nations peacekeepers.
