True and Fascinating Canadian History
Fortieth Anniversary of Women in the RCMP
1974 - 2014
A Very Special Commanding Officer
A Member of
The Commissioner's Executive Committee
And
A First in RCMP History
Assistant Commissioner Louise Lafrance
by J. J. Healy
A Member of
The Commissioner's Executive Committee
And
A First in RCMP History
In July 2013, M. M. L 'Louise' Lafrance joined a very, very small select group of senior Officers and only the second RCMP woman ever to hold the Commanding Officer's post at 'Depot' Division in Regina, Saskatchewan. Louise can be counted as being among the very first. She deserves every Congratulation!
Louise joined the Force in 1985. In her early career, she held a series of posts in 'A' Division, Ottawa, Ontario and she received her Commissioner to Inspector in 2004. Afterwards, Louise joined the RCMP's National Recruiting Team. The job not only involved recruiting for the Force, but also a continous review of policy and practices within the RCMP that might have inhibited applicants from joining the Force. Louise was expected to ensure that the RCMP remained attractive as an employer. She also had to ensure that the Force was competitive for cadets at such places as Canadian universities and colleges.
Later on, Louise was transferred to 'Depot' where she became the Academy's Training Officer. In this role, she was hugely responsible for the selection of the Instructional Staff as well as for the evolution of new ideas in policing and the content, delivery and monitoring of the Cadet Basic Curriculum.
The next few years will be the most challenging for Louise. 'Depot' is slated to continue its growth; a number of capital projects are on the drawing board and there will be an intense push for more cadets to replace RCMP retirees.
'Depot' has always been viewed as a hot spot of activity and energy for the Force going back to the earliest days of the North West Mounted Police. Louise can expect the next few years to be equally busy. For one thing, Canada is fast approaching its 150th Anniversary in 2017. This country wide celebration means that 'Depot' will continue its high profile and will also have to prepare itself for thousands of visits by tourists and dignitaries from all over the world.
The Commissioner chose the right person for 'Depot' Division at the right time of RCMP history. Congratulations again to the RCMP's new CO!
