RCMP Commissioner establishes a Commanding Officer at National Headquarters

OTTAWA, October 31, 2008 –Today, the RCMP held an Establishment of Command Ceremony to welcome their new Commanding Officer for National Headquarters (CO), Assistant Commissioner Bernard F. Corrigan. The position of CO for RCMP National Headquarters (NHQ) was created to provide a central responsibility to address the needs of the over 5,000 RCMP employees located throughout NHQ.

“We are pleased to commemorate this appointment today with the employees of the National Capital Region, our partner organizations, and special guests,” said RCMP Commissioner William J.S. Elliott. “This ceremony honours the RCMP=s proud heritage, while at the same time reinforcing the need to look to the future and foster strong and innovative partnerships.”

To signify the new appointment, A/Commr. Corrigan was presented with the National Headquarters ensign from Commissioner Elliott. Upon receiving it, A/Commr. Corrigan symbolically accepted the responsibility of command bestowed upon him by the Commissioner.

“RCMP National Headquarters exists to support employees in all RCMP Regions and Divisions and to help provide them with the support they need to provide a world-class police service,” said A/Commr. Corrigan. “In that same vein, I'm committed to forging strong relationships with all NHQ employees and their representative groups, and I encourage them to share their ideas and concerns with me as we move forward on our journey of transformation.”

With a complement of over 5,000 employees, A/Commr. Corrigan now oversees several NHQ-specific functions including informatics, human resources, staff relations, strategic partnerships and heritage events as well as the Musical Ride. The creation of the position of CO for National Headquarters had been suggested by Headquarters Staff Relations representatives and responds to one of the recommendations of the Task Force on Governance and Cultural Change in the RCMP.

A/Commr. Corrigan joined the RCMP in 1976 and was first posted to White Rock Detachment in British Columbia. He has since held a variety of positions including within the Musical Ride, Media, Public Relations and Protective Operations. In 1997, he was promoted to the rank of Inspector and assigned as a Security Officer to the Prime Minister of Canada. In 2000, he was named executive officer to the Deputy Commissioner Strategic Direction.

A/Commr. Corrigan was promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent as Director General of Public Affairs and Information in May 2001. In May 2004, his portfolio expanded to Public Affairs and Communication Services.

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For more information, please contact RCMP Media Relations at (613) 993-2999.