Career bureaucrat William Elliott was sworn in as the 22nd commissioner of the RCMP during a private ceremony yesterday, with a mandate to clean up a scandal-plagued administration almost overshadowed by his need to earn the respect of the rank and file.
Wife Carolyn looked on as Justice Stephen Brown, a longtime friend, administered the oath of office. Elliott, wearing a blue business suit instead of the RCMP red serge, was then presented with his badge and identification bearing regimental No. O.2438.
Then it was down to business.
The new commissioner’s chair was barely warm when Elliott was presented with his first challenge — a call by the Mounties’ union to confront some nagging issues that have aggravated its 20,000 officers for years.
His charge from Prime Minister Stephen Harper is to clean up management of the iconic national force in the wake of a pension and insurance fund scandal, which a task force announced yesterday is also to examine.
But how Elliott handles more grassroots issues, such as a chronic lack of resources and flaws in promotional and disciplinary procedures, will heavily influence the way the rest of his tenure goes.
Elliott, the first RCMP commissioner appointed without police or at least military experience, said in an opening-day statement to all Mounties his first order of business is to meet and talk with the rank and file to discuss their concerns.
“Much has been made of what distinguishes me from my predecessors and from the other men and women who serve as regular members of the RCMP,” he said. “More important is what unites us — a commitment to protecting and serving Canadians.
“I recognize the importance of gaining a better understanding of the important work you do. I want to hear your concerns and answer your questions. I’ll have questions for you as well.”
He said he will visit detachments, offices and workplaces across the country twice a month, beginning immediately. He meets this week with union reps.
OUTSIDE THE RANKS
Mounted police commissioners appointed from outside Mountie ranks, and their years in the post.
- Lt.-Col. W. Osborne Smith (Sept. 25-Oct. 17, 1873): Served as a British army officer in the Crimean War before coming to Canada and joining the militia. He was appointed temporarily as the first commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police and swore in the first members at Lower Fort Garry, secured the supply of uniforms from militia stores and started training. – George Arthur French (Oct. 18, 1873-July 21, 1876): Established the Canadian militia gunnery school in Kingston, in 1871; he remained with the Royal Artillery until he was appointed the first permanent commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police; built on his predecessor’s efforts, recruiting, training, and establishing high standards of discipline and morale, giving the force its military character. – Lawrence William Herchmer (April 1, 1886-July 31, 1900): Appointed by Sir John A. Macdonald after receiving British military training; served throughout the expansion of the force into the Yukon, and created a riding school in Regina; raised recruitment standards and introduced a regular system of patrols with extensive reporting; improved living conditions and benefits for members by establishing a pension program, creating divisional canteens and recreation rooms and organizing sports during off-duty hours. – Sir James Howden MacBrien (August 1, 1931-March 5, 1938): Served with the North-West Mounted Police before joining the militia for the South African campaign and First World War; as chief of general staff of the Overseas Military Forces of Canada from 1919 to 1920, he was a key figure in creating the Department of National Defence.
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