RIGHT PICK FOR ROLE

On Wednesday, then-Assistant Commissioner Brenda Lucki was on stage in Regina, hosting a panel discussion with successful Saskatchewan women at the University of Regina’s Inspiring Leadership Forum.

By Thursday, news was breaking that Lucki would be the first female commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement at the training depot in Regina, where Lucki had been commanding officer since 2016. On Saturday, the New York Times put out a story dedicated to the fact this was the first time the storied police force would be led by a woman.

This is an important moment in history, and her performance on Wednesday was very informative about why the country should be encouraged by the announcements that came later in the week.

Any introduction of Lucki is sure to impress. In her 31-year career, she has served missions in both Haiti and Yugoslavia. Her work with

First Nations in northern Manitoba earned her the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. But it is the warmth, humour and ability to listen she displayed on that stage in Regina that proves she is an excellent pick to lead the force at a time where it’s plagued with sexual harassment complaints, morale issues and a troubled relationship with Indigenous people.

Lucki spoke of her thick skin — no doubt earned from years of dealing with the harsh realities of police work — but also was quick to joke and find positive messages in what the panellists said. When it was time for members of the public to ask questions, she showed she knew how to make them feel at ease and placed importance on giving time for their input.

This is not just any woman to become the first commissioner. This is a woman with clear skills when it comes to communication and bridging gaps between different groups. It is her talent, not simply her gender, that will bring lasting improvements.

“To be honest, the gender of the new commissioner, although historic, will not equate to significant cultural change unless the right conditions are created,” Angela Workman-Stark, a professor at Athabasca University and former chief superintendent at the RCMP, told the National Post, adding the government will also have to step up to support her efforts.

In her speech accepting the post, Lucki pledged to bring change. “I plan to challenge assumptions, seek explanations and better understand the reasons how we operate. This means no stone will be left unturned and, if what we find works, then we carry on until we unearth the issues that need addressing.”