September 16, 1974 - Women RCMP Officers

Human Rights a Day

RCMP swears in 32 women police officers. One of Canada’s most notable icons is the Mountie – and people expect to see a man. Traditionally, of course, Mounties were male. But the RCMP, like all workplaces, changed in the 1970s. On September 16, 1974, the venerable police force swore in 32 women cadets from across Canada, and sent them to their Regina, Saskatchewan training facility. Six months later, 30 emerged as officers. Dispersed across the country, they met with mixed experiences. .They faced colleagues who didn’t want them there, wives who objected to them working alongside their husbands, and a public that wanted to talk to “real Mounties.” The rookie officers felt forced to prove themselves to each new detachment they joined. As one pioneer constable, Barb Alexander, recalls, "You're not one of the guys. You're not one of the secretaries. You're not one of the wives. You're something different. You couldn't go out with just anyone. You were such an oddity." Women like Alexander, however, made things a bit easier for the women who followed. Today, women are integral to Canada’s Mounted Police and make up about 17% of the police force.