In B.C. first, top cop an aboriginal woman
A First Nations woman has been appointed B.C.’s top Mountie, a first in the province.
Brenda Butterworth-Carr, currently the assistant commissioner, will rise to the top job of commanding officer of B.C. RCMP. She replaces Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, who is retiring after 32 years in the force.
Butterworth-Carr, who is from the Tr’ondek Hwech’in Han Nation in Dawson City, Yukon, joined the RCMP in 1987 as a native special constable. She was the director general of National Aboriginal Policing and Crime Prevention Services at RCMP headquarters in Ottawa and was the officer in charge of the Prince George detachment.
She became the first woman to lead an RCMP division when she was named commanding officer in Saskatchewan in 2013. She returned to B.C.’s E Division in August 2016 to take up a role as the officer in charge of criminal operations core policing.
Butterworth-Carr is chairwoman of the RCMP’s National Women’s Advisory Committee and a member of the Canadian and International Association of Chiefs of Police. She was invested as a member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
Butterworth-Carr and husband Errol have three sons, Paul, Kyle and Devon.
Her appointment comes as the federal force is facing a class-action lawsuit by female members of the RCMP who allege systematic sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying.
RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson apologized for “shameful” conduct within the ranks and the force has offered $100 million in compensation.
Paulson has pledged to improve relations between the RCMP and indigenous communities after many community leaders raised concerns of unfairness and discrimination.
B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris, a former Mountie, said he met Butterworth-Carr several years ago.
“I was immediately struck by her professional and personal integrity and passion for public safety,” he said in a statement.
“I’ve observed her progression over the years as a leader in the RCMP and continue to be impressed.”
Morris said Butterworth-Carr’s experience has given her a strong understanding of the provincial, municipal and First Nations service agreements.
“Brenda also brings a wealth of experience working collaboratively with the many agencies and contract partners that support policing in B.C.,” he said.
“As someone who has worked closely with Brenda and followed her career over the last 29 years, I couldn’t be more pleased by her appointment and we look forward to working with her.”