Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Brenda Lucki announced Wednesday that she has made the difficult decision to retire next month.
Rumors regarding the future of Mme Lucki as head of the national police force was already well underway as he neared the end of his five-year term, which was marked by many challenges and controversies.
She notably had to lead the RCMP during the worst mass shooting in modern Canadian history, the COVID-19 pandemic and the “freedom convoy” protests.
Appointed in April 2018, Mme Lucki took the reins of an organization that was mired in internal dissension over old issues of bullying and harassment among the legendary “Mounted Police”.
In a statement released Wednesday, Mr.me Lucki said she was proud of the steps taken during her tenure to modernize the RCMP, including through increased accountability, measures to address systemic racism and achieve reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
“I leave having done my best and being reassured to see that the organization is well on its way to shining in its 150e anniversary,” she wrote, adding that she will continue her work until her last day in office, March 17.
“It was not easy because I love the RCMP and I loved being the 24e commissioner, underlined Mrme Lucky. I am infinitely proud to have had the chance to lead this institution and to personally observe the wonderful work that its employees do every day from coast to coast and abroad. »
Federal Minister of Public Security Marco Mendicino thanked Mr.me Lucki for his “partnership and dedication”.
“From training new recruits to becoming the first female RCMP Commissioner, she has dedicated her life to keeping Canadians safe,” the minister noted on social media.
The announcement of M.me Lucki comes days before the release of the report of the federal commission of inquiry that looked into Ottawa’s use of the Emergencies Act to end the “freedom convoy” protests, who blocked the streets around Parliament Hill for weeks last winter.
The report should dissect the exchanges that took place between the government and police forces, including the RCMP, before the decision was made to use the law for the first time since its adoption.
Another major report is due at the end of March, regarding the April 2020 killings in Nova Scotia.
The RCMP have come under intense scrutiny for their response to the horrific events of April 18-19, 2020, when Gabriel Wortman killed 22 people in Nova Scotia using multiple firearms. The shooter also traveled in a replica RCMP cruiser.
M’s careerme Lucki, who was born in Edmonton, took her to work in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
“The government will now begin the process of appointing the next commissioner,” Minister Mendicino wrote on Twitter.
“We will be looking for a new leader who will keep our communities safe while advancing the reforms needed to maintain the trust of all Canadians. »