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Gazette - New RCMP reception centre welcomes international visitors
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NEWS NOTES
By Caroline Ross
RCMP Commr William J. S. Elliott cuts the ribbon on the new RCMP International Visitors’ Reception Centre, while A/Commr, Raf Souccar, Federal and International Operations, looks on.
International visitors to RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa now have a dedicated space to meet with RCMP staff, conduct business and relax between engagements.
The RCMP International Visitors’ Reception Centre, which officially opened on September 28, 2007, is “the focal point” of an international delegation’s visit to Ottawa, says S/Sgt Pierre Patenaude, manager (now retired) of the RCMP International Travel and Visits Branch. “All the meetings will be held here.”
The Centre boasts a 25-person meeting space, Internet and teleconference facilities and close proximity to the main entrance. An added lounge area provides visitors with a comfortable, secure place to remain between meetings.
“People will stay here, enjoy coffee or tea, chat amongst themselves and with RCMP members,” says Patenaude.
The Centre is the icing on the cake of the RCMP’s International Visits and Protocol Program, which began in 2003 and provides visiting delegations with airport reception, transportation in RCMP vehicles, tailored itineraries and other services arranged by a dedicated protocol visit officer.
Patenaude notes that the program has been well-received by visitors and is helping strengthen international rapport. RCMP liaison officers abroad have more contacts now than they did before the program began, he says, and that makes the RCMP better able to work with foreign partners on cases that span borders.
Since 2003, RCMP Headquarters has received 1,393 foreign visitors in 404 delegations. The most frequent visits are from China, the United States and South Africa.
