True and Fascinating Canadian History

September 2014 marked the Fortieth Anniversary of Women in the RCMP. To mark this significant anniversary, twenty keynote women of the RCMP were identified who brought honour to themselves and to Force.

Some women have died while pursuring their career in the Force. Some died in the line of duty. Many other women died because of sickness such as cancer. Sad losses for family, friends and the Force in all cases.

Readers, I believe, will find the stories about Women Firsts in the RCMP interesting, often sad, yet very surprising and very inspirational.

A short story about each woman and the way that their work contributed to Canadian policing and the Force.

RCMP Firsts: Women of the RCMP

Click on a name below to read her story

Troop 36: 1974 - 1975

I was particularly fortunate to teach the majority of the early women who joined the RCMP as an Instructor at 'Depot' in the mid 1970's when women were first accepted into the Force. In 1974, it was a highlite of my career to be selected by the CO, Chief Superintendent H. P. Tadeson to be the Supervisor of 36 Troop -- the second all female full regular recruit constable Troop.

Troop 36 commenced Basic Recruit Training on March 17, 1975 and graduated six months later on September 1975. J' Troop consisting of Airport Special Constables commenced 'Depot' training on January 27, 1975 and graduated a few weeks later in March 1975. This Troop chronology was researched by RCMP Analysts in Ottawa, ON.

My appointment as 36 Troop's Supervisor was also a first in the RCMP. As their Supervisor, I was on my own, so to speak with 32 new women recruits just engaged into the RCMP.

In actual fact, the women of 36 Troop made my Supervisory role enjoyable because they were very eager to learn, eager to get involved in activities, dependable, competitive and they shared a tremendous sense of humour. I recall the first morning of regular classes. Troop 36 was gathered in the Academic Building Auditorium and the CO appeared. Troop 36's Right Marker had written the Troop's logo on the chalk board 'Troop 36 or Bust'. The CO turned red! I mused to myself '...this Troop will be definitively remembered for its style'!

In those early days at 'Depot' it was not long before the RCMP began to notice that women broke long held records set strictly by men in such things as; firearms qualifications, law, precise accident sketches and Human Relations among other subjects. They showed great stride in Drill as well. But, aside from breaking records, the first women had exceptional qualifications, upbeat personalities, sensible dispositions for police work and many of them held university degrees.

It was my perception, that higher education gave these women a wider lens and greater insight to better evaluate situations which they faced. These woman, as well, had already excelled and had been successful in other professions prior to joining the Force.

Women from all the Canadian provinces were represented by Troop 36. I was pleased to meet Constable Ruth Ahenakew of Saskatchewan who made history by being the first Aboriginal woman in the Force.

Corporal Christine Mackie was a highly qualified, let's also say expert equestrienne. Soon after graduation from 'Depot' Christine became one of the first women on the RCMP's Musical Ride and she later became the first female Instructor on the Ride.

After some years, Donna McMillan left the RCMP for university. She read at UBC in Vancouver, graduated with a law degree and went on to practice law in British Columbia.

Staff Sergeant Kathy King, M.O.M. gained exceptional prominance within the RCMP in Manitoba as a highly successful plain clothes investigator. In 1990, Kathy was among other members who received a prized Commendation for her participation in a murder investigation into the death of a 16 year old young woman at Roseisle, Manitoba which resulted in the prosecution and conviction of two suspects.

After some years, Connie Pike left the RCMP for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and she became the Constabulary's first female member. In 1995, Connie was promoted to Lieutenant.

And, sadly, but shortly after leaving 'Depot', Constable Joanne Horn was severaly injured in an off duty motor vehicle accident early in her career. Eventually, she received a Medical Discharge from the Force and died years later in Chilliwack, BC. Careers all in the cause of policing in Canada.

Today, the core of the RCMP has changed significantly, I believe, and there is no reason which will prevent women from advancing in all the ranks and roles of the Force. To my imaginary daughter, I say, 'Get in step my daughter and go become an RCMP Commissioner!'