Paving the way: Burnaby RCMP pays tribute to the courageous women of Troop 17

Burnaby

2024-12-09 14:39 PST

It’s been 50 years since a group of 32 courageous women from across Canada were sworn in to the RCMP as the organization’s first-ever female cadets in September 1974.

Despite facing many challenges throughout their careers, including gender-based harassment and discrimination, the women of Troop 17 made history through their service and bravery, breaking barriers and paving the way for women across the RCMP for decades to come.

Today, approximately one fifth of RCMP officers across the country are women.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of women in the RCMP over the past five decades, the Burnaby RCMP is sharing the thoughts and insights of current female members at all ranks.

Cst. Ashley Kumar
General Duty, Burnaby RCMP
Years with the RCMP: 3

What is your message to the women of Troop 17?

Thank you for breaking the barriers and blazing the trail for women across the country to overcome any challenges in pursuing their dreams of proudly wearing the Red Serge and representing the RCMP. Without your hard work, resilience and determination; we would not have the ability to serve our country at the highest level and continue to blaze trails, break down barriers to inspire more women to join us in the ranks.

Have you had a female mentor make an impact on your career?

I was very lucky to have a facilitator at Depot who saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. Training challenges your determination and grit. This facilitator pulled me to the side and reminded me that there is still good left in this world and urged me to remember that as I pushed through the rest of training. At the time, I didn't realize I needed that message, but now, as a proud member of the RCMP, I carry that message in every part of my career and my life.

What’s your message to other women who might be thinking of a career with the RCMP?

Take the Leap! This is the most rewarding career and the friendships and bonds you make last a lifetime. You get to work with other amazing women, in all ranks, who have the same goals and drive to push you to be a better version of yourself. It might be a little frightening and overwhelming at first, but the journey is absolutely worth it!

Cpl. Laura Hirst
Media Relations Officer, Burnaby RCMP
Years with the RCMP: Almost 19

What is your message to the women of Troop 17?

Thank you for taking the first step, and for being brave. You have helped pave the way for future generations of female officers. It is now our responsibility to ensure your legacy is not forgotten.

What inspired you to pursue a career in policing?

I joined the RCMP because I wanted to help people, especially youth. I grew up in a small community on the east coast, and the RCMP in my town were active in supporting local youth. One RCMP officer in particular had made a huge impact on me. He was the first person who suggested I join the RCMP. Things came full circle for me in 2022 when we were both at Depot, in Regina. I had the opportunity to tell him that I had taken his advice and thank him for believing in me.

What is a misconception about women in the RCMP?

When I meet people and I tell them I am a police officer, many automatically assume I have had difficulties with my male co-workers, even asking me if I have been harassed. This is not something I have experienced.

Sgt. Kyla Lounsbury
Professional Responsibility Unit, Burnaby RCMP:
Years with the RCMP: 17

What would you want the women of Troop 17 know about your experience in policing?

Some of the best, yet toughest life experiences I’ve had, have been in policing. I have travelled all over Canada and areas into the US with investigative teams where I worked with some of the most remarkable and diverse people. Through policing, I also met some very hurting people, and heard and saw things I wish I could undo. The world of policing is better today, because of the noble work the women who came before me, and the women who came before them.

When it comes to women in the RCMP, what positive changes have you seen in your career?

Grit is different than talent, grit is a choice. Because of the grit and courage the women in policing had before me, I have experienced a full and well rounded career in the RCMP. I have experienced opportunity with interviewing vulnerable victims, witnesses and suspects in homicide investigations, sexual assaults, and serious crimes committed against people. With this experience, I was afforded an opportunity to give back, and was 1 of 12 people who created the Phased Interview for Children adopted by E Division RCMP. In 2020, I was 1 of 3 investigators in Canada selected to investigate the RCMP’s response in Canada’s largest mass murder. It has been surreal for me, as I have often reflected on the positive changes, and the leadership roles and opportunities I personally experienced with the RCMP, because of the work the women did before my career.

What inspired you to pursue a career in policing?

The desire to help people, and the physicality of training inspired me to pursue a career in the RCMP. Having an athletic background, the skills offered in training sparked my interest. I saw opportunity for personal growth, and the ability to help people through difficult times.

Inspector Amanda Harnett
Administrative Services Officer, Burnaby RCMP
Years with the RCMP: 20

What would you want the women of Troop 17 to know about your experience in policing?

That it was their courage and conviction that allowed me to navigate the many challenges of policing, and I often reflect on how difficult their path must have been 50 years ago. I want these women to know they played a transformative role in shaping the future of the RCMP, breaking barriers and paving the pathway for future generations like myself. I want them to know that their decision to join the RCMP forever changed the landscape, and has shown other women such as myself that we have a voice in the organization and bring a unique perspective to policing.

What challenges do women in the RCMP still face?

I feel that women are still underrepresented at the senior leadership level, however this is changing and I have seen significant progress as women navigate through the ranks of our organization. The balance of raising a family and dedicating your life to public service is also a significant challenge, as the hours and shifts of policing are demanding and take us from our families.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the RCMP?

At the beginning of my career it was difficult to navigate a male dominated culture. I faced skepticism about my abilities and I felt that I needed to prove myself in ways my male coworkers might not. I felt the need to overcome stereotypes that women are less capable in physical or high stress situations, which caused a lot of personal stress in my junior years of service. Eventually, with strong mentorship from both my male and female supervisors, I learned to lean into my personal strengths and skillset, and stopped comparing myself to everyone else.

What’s your message to women who might be thinking of a career with the RCMP?

As cliché as it sounds, if you truly want to help people and make a difference in your community, then don’t wait, don’t hesitate, join the RCMP because there is a place for your voice at the table. It has been an unbelievable and challenging career, and one that I am tremendously proud of you. As women, we bring a unique skillset to law enforcement, and we can play a significant role in shaping the next 50 years of the RCMP.

Released by:

Email: burnaby_rcmp_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: burnaby.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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