True and Fascinating Canadian History

Fortieth Anniversary of Women in the RCMP

1974 - 2014

A Very Special Deputy Commissioner

And

The First in RCMP History

Deputy Commissioner Janice R. Armstrong


by J. J. Healy

Aboriginal

There is a huge difference in the manner of debate between politicians in Ottawa's House of Commons and British politicians in London, England. At home, it is customary for politicians in the House to read their questions whereas politicians under the British system are more likely to ad lib.

In short, cadet politicians in Canada need their script but British politicians are not afraid to stand up and speak freely or to say whatever pops into their head. The difference between the two styles of politicians and their level of maturity at public speaking is very apparent to TV viewers.

But, British politicians should not be counted as the sole experts at public speaking. Canada does have experts and the RCMP especially so. A few years ago, then Assistant Commissioner Janice Armstrong called a press conference in Vancouver to address an issue of police indiscretion which had been committed by a member of the RCMP in 'E' Division (British Columbia). Rather than dwell on the uneven conduct of the member, Assistant Commissioner Armstrong issued an unequivaocal apology to the victims and the community on behalf of the RCMP.

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On that particular day, her manner of speech on TV, her definition in RCMP uniform and her sincerity was so impressive that it left a deep mark with Canadians worth remembering. It was not long afterwards that Janice Armstrong was called into Ottawa RCMP Headquarters and promoted by Commissioner R. W. Paulson to the rank of Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Contract and Aboriginal Policing (CAP).

Her new promotion, richly deserved, made Janice Armstrong the first woman to hold the Deputy Commissioner rank in CAP.

Looking back, Deputy Commissioner Armstrong's TV presence was very noticable. And, it was equally apparent that she was an unusual woman of steep determination. She left no doubt on TV that her apology was meant to be timely, precise, sincere and forceful. She knew exactly how her apology, grounded in depth, was meant to be felt by listeners.

Deputy Commissioner Armstrong joined the Force in 1986. After 'Depot', she was transferred to General Policing in Hope and Surrey, BC. Later, she moved up to Serious Crime investigations and into Media Communications.

She received her Commission to Inspector in 2003, then she took over the the role of Assistant Ops Officer for the Lower Mainland of BC. Later, she acted as Commander of Ridge Meadows Detachment and Langley Detachment. As an Assistant Commissioner, Janice Armstrong returned to the Lower Mainland District as the RCMP Ops Officer and Assistant District Commander. Prior to moving to Ottawa, ON she was 'E' Division’s Deputy Criminal Operations Officer.

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In recent days, Deputy Commissioner Armstrong has impressed Canadians again on TV. On her second TV appearance, Deputy Commissioner Armstrong spoke at a Winnipeg, MB news conference. Her topic was about the hundreds of missing Canadian Aboriginal women.

While she left the case statistics to another speaker, Deputy Commissioner Armstrong spoke freely and in a way which, again, impressed TV viewers. She said that although the statistics have to be heard, it was more important that Canadians also know that each and all the missing victims were someone's aunt, mother or sister. Essentially, she wrapped the core of cold case statistics in a heater.

In her TV message, Deputy Commissioner Armstrong said, 'We remain committed to resolving all outstanding cases and seeking justice for family and friends of aboriginal women who have disappeared or who have been murdered...and we remain committed to reducing the violence against aboriginal women'. (p.A3).

The approach on TV which Deputy Commissioner Armstrong adopted in the missing and murdered women's case met with very favourable reviews among radio and TV talk show hosts. For instance, on CBC's Sunday morning program 'Question Period', each of the journalists praised Deputy Commissioner Armstrong for her committment and sincerity.

And finally this observation. Deputy Commissioner Armstrong has well learned the art of apology. Unquestionably, it is the right thing to do when police investigations run off the rails or when complex cases are not solved for years and years. In each appearance on TV, Canadians were struck by her words of apology and sentimentality.

In that sense, Deputy Commissioner Armstrong has set a new tone in policing and a newness in the RCMP. It is precisely these rich qualities that make her highly successful and a solid Canadian police officer. It would have been a pleasure to work under her command.

Congratulations Madam.

Source & Appreciation: The photo of Deputy Commissioner Janice Armstrong and the quote in this piece were taken from The Ottawa Citizen. Saturday. May 17. 2014. p.3.

Armstrong




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