RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki has introduced her retirement and can step down from the highest job subsequent month.
In a press release, Lucki mentioned she had made a “private resolution” to depart the submit.
“This was not a straightforward resolution as I really like the RCMP and have cherished being the twenty fourth commissioner. I’m so extremely proud to have had the chance to steer this historic group and witness first hand the super work being achieved each day by all staff from coast to coast to coast and internationally,” she mentioned.
Lucki, who was sworn in on April 16, 2018, mentioned the nationwide power has made “some nice progress” in assembly the expectations of Canadians, communities and policing companions.
Her final day within the job might be March 17.
It has been been a difficult 12 months for the outgoing commissioner, who has been pursued by allegations of political interference and combined opinions of her performances in entrance of public inquiries and commissions.
She ended 2022 dealing with requires her resignation from a number of sources — together with the Opposition Conservatives and a provincial justice minister.
Lucki’s response to the federal authorities’s resolution to invoke the Emergencies Act in response to convoy protests has come beneath assault — and was cited by Alberta Justice Minister Tyler Shandro as a motive to fireside her.
“She failed to tell the federal cupboard of all legislation enforcement choices accessible previous to the choice to invoke the Emergencies Act,” Shandro mentioned in a November assertion.
Lucki’s announcement comes simply days forward of the anticipated launch of a report from Justice Paul Rouleau on the fee of inquiry into using the Emergencies Act.
WATCH | ‘She deserves to be thanked for her service,’ justice minister says
Minister of Justice David Lametti discusses RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki’s announcement that she is stepping down subsequent month.
Lucki insisted she has “achieved loads” with the senior government group and RCMP staff, together with modernizing the power and addressing inner challenges.
“I am so happy with the steps we have taken to modernize – to extend accountability, deal with systemic racism, guarantee a secure and equitable office and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” she mentioned within the assertion.
“I depart realizing I did my finest and take consolation that the RCMP is effectively positioned to shine in its a hundred and fiftieth 12 months.”
Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino thanked Lucki for her years of service.
“From coaching new recruits at depot to changing into the Mounties’ first girl commissioner, she has devoted her life to holding Canadians secure,” he tweeted. “Commissioner Lucki has led the power for almost 5 years, navigating by way of the pandemic and past. I wish to thank her for her partnership and dedication.”
Mendicino mentioned the federal government will now start the method of appointing the subsequent commissioner.
Conservative MP Glen Motz mentioned he attended programs with Lucki throughout his policing days.
“I feel she … was well-intended and sadly turned most likely overly yanked round by Public Security, by the minister and by this authorities. And that is unlucky,” he mentioned. “You understand, I want her effectively in retirement and I thank her for her service.”
NDP public security critic Peter Julian wished Lucki a cheerful retirement however mentioned problems with systemic racism and a scarcity of accountability weren’t adequately addressed throughout her tenure.
“We’re actually hoping that the federal authorities takes care to make sure that the subsequent commissioner offers with these points and that the RCMP lastly begins discovering options to those issues,” he mentioned.
WATCH | NDP MP reacts to Lucki’s resignation
New-Westminister Burnaby NDP MP Peter Julian says he hopes the subsequent commissioner offers with problems with systemic racism and accountability.
Brian Sauvé, head of the Nationwide Police Federation, mentioned he loved a “constructive and productive working relationship” with Lucki.
“Regardless of the varied challenges and public scrutiny that include being a frontrunner, Commissioner Lucki’s dedication to public security, to the communities she served over the course of her profession, and to fostering a contemporary and constructive strategy to labour relations … is a testomony to her dedication and professionalism,” Sauvé mentioned in a media assertion.
Lucki confronted some criticism in 2020 when she informed sure media shops she was “struggling” to outline the time period when requested if there was systemic racism within the RCMP. She later mentioned she believes systemic racism exists within the power.
When Lucki was appointed in 2018, she vowed to rid the power of a poisonous office tradition, however she warned that it will take a while. On the time, she mentioned an unhealthy tradition has been deeply ingrained within the RCMP over many years and altering attitudes for the higher would require persistence.
She took the helm after her predecessor Bob Paulson delivered a historic apology to feminine officers and civilian members as a part of a settlement in two class-action lawsuits for harassment and sexual abuse.
In her assertion, Lucki cites a web site outlining the important thing areas the place the RCMP is focusing its efforts to vary and modernize:
- Guaranteeing a secure, equitable office to stop office harassment and discrimination.
- Addressing systemic racism that impacts staff and various communities served by the RCMP.
- Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples by constructing belief and respect and acknowledging previous harms.
- Supporting trendy policing with evolving instruments, methods and expertise.
- Enhancing accountability, transparency and conduct of staff; guaranteeing penalties are “significant and rehabilitative.”