New top Mountie pledges 'change and growth' at RCMP as he assumes command

The RCMP's new commissioner said he wants to drive "change and growth" in the national police service as he officially assumed command on Thursday.

Michael Duhemeformally took over as RCMP commissioner at a ceremony in Gatineau, Que. Duheme, alaw enforcement veteran with over 35 years of experience, became interim commissionerin Marchfollowingthe retirement of former top Mountie Brenda Lucki.

"I'm here to lead change and growth within the organization, to make decisions that move the yardstick for the RCMP, because I know there's a lot we can accomplish together," Duheme said in his speech at the ceremony.

"I want all our employees to be proud to belong to this organization, and to know that they're equipped to make a real difference in the communities that we serve."

Duheme takes over a police force that's under fire overthe scope of its mandate, itsculture and questions about itscompetence.

Duheme said hiring more Mounties is his first task.

"I want us to grow in numbers, so my first priority, as we move forward, is recruitment," he said.

The RCMPemploys approximately 19,000 uniformed officers and 11,000 civilians. An independent advisory board called the force's recruitment situation a crisisin a report released earlier this year, and called for an overhaul of officer training.

WATCH|'I want us to grow in numbers'

I want us to grow in numbers: New RCMP commissioner discusses his top priority for the organization

1 year ago

Duration 1:43

Addressing the change of command ceremony, new RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme identifies recruitment as his first priority. Duheme says the RCMP must be an organization of choice.

Lucki, who served as commissioner from 2018 to 2023, said sheimproved the RCMP during her tenure.

"My motto has always been to leave every place just a little bit better than when you got there, and I did just that," Lucki said.

"I can rest easy knowing that the RCMP is in good hands."

A report earlier this year from the Mass CasualtyCommission (MCC), which examined the response to the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia, sharply criticizedthe RCMP's response to the tragedyand put forward 130 recommendations for reform. Duheme raised eyebrows after the release of the report when he said at a news conference that he had not yet read it.

In a news conference following the ceremony Thursday, Duhemesaid the RCMP is making progress on 52 of the MCC recommendations for which it's directly responsible, and is partnering with other organizations onthe remainder.

Hesaid theRCMPcontinues toinvestigateso-called police stations operating in Canada on behalf of the Chinese government, and is still looking for the sources of national security leaks to the media about foreign interference in Canada.

Duheme signed the RCMP'snew core values statement following his inauguration as commissioner. The Mounties updated the statement last year for the first time in a quarter century, adding references to"reconciliation," "diversity," "honour" and "empathy."

He said he hopes to bring cultural change to the force.

"I also want to seek growth in who we are, so my second priority is to foster a workplace culture that's rooted in respect and accountability," Duheme said.

"To make sure we're living up to the RCMP's renewed core values, and really looking out for each other, along with the people we serve."