RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki to step down next month

RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki has announced her retirement, effective March 17.

Lucki’s term as Commissioner was due to expire and while there were indications she wanted to continue on, the Trudeau government was apparently not interested in extending her term.

“This was not an easy decision as I love the RCMP and have loved being the 24th Commissioner,” Lucki said in a statement. “I’m so proud of the steps we’ve taken to modernize – to increase accountability, address systemic racism, ensure a safe and equitable workplace and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.”

“I leave knowing I did my best and take comfort that the RCMP is well placed to shine in its 150th year.”

Here is RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki’s full statement about her retirement. Listen to @CityNewsTO for the latest#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/KCsHe3zPak

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) February 15, 2023

Lucki’s decision comes on the heels of some sharp criticism for how the agency handled the “Freedom Convoy” protests in Ottawa and allegations of political interference in the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting. Early on in her tenure she struggled with discussions about systemic racism in the force before eventually agreeing to combat the issue within the RCMP.

Lucki was appointed Commissioner in April 2018 and was the first woman to hold the position.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendocino thanked Lucki for her years of service to the RCMP, adding that the process to choose a new leader has begun.

“Commissioner Lucki has led the Force for nearly five years, navigating through the pandemic and beyond,” said Mendocino.

“From training new recruits to becoming the Mounties’ first woman Commissioner, she has dedicated her life to keeping Canadians safe.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also thanked Lucki for her many years of service and for her work “to keep Canadians across the country safe.”

“As you head into your next chapter, I’m wishing you and your family the very best.”

The Edmonton-born Lucki’s RCMP career included time in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, serving on a force responsible for everything from traffic duty to investigating financial crime and terrorism.

She was praised for her efforts in northern Manitoba to improve the force’s relationship with Indigenous communities. Lucki also worked with the United Nations in the fractured former Yugoslavia, and helped train and select units for a UN police mission in Haiti.

In 2016, she became commanding officer of “Depot” Division, where young RCMP recruits are put through their paces.

Lucki holds a degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Alberta, and studied management and leadership at the University of Manitoba’s business school.

Files from The Canadian Press were used in this report