The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada's national police service, is taking a clear stand against all forms of racism and discrimination.
I know everyone is affected and processing the events surrounding the death of George Floyd differently, including our RCMP family and communities. Watching the protests and hearing the discussion may be difficult, but at the heart of it is the need to confront anti-Black racism and other forms of discrimination that continue to plague our society.
As the Commissioner of the RCMP, I stand with each and every one of you, and reinforce my commitment to building an organization that respects people, values diversity and fosters inclusion.
Racism is not an easy topic to discuss, nor should it be. Racism is a reality that should make us each take a hard look at ourselves to understand how our words, our actions and our inactions may contribute to it. Even with the best of intentions, we can make assumptions and fall into habits that lead to bias.
I have shared a clear message with all employees of the RCMP: we are here for everyone. No matter what they look like, sound like, or where they come from. We have a shared responsibility to advocate for dignity and practice respect for all.
There is no room for racism – or any other kind of discrimination – in Canada's RCMP. Those attitudes, and the actions they lead to, drag down every employee in this profession who is working hard to keep their communities safe and give Canadians the police service they deserve.
In all things, our actions must connect with our values. Every action we take must be an action we can be proud of. If we are here to protect people, we protect anyone who is vulnerable. If we uphold fairness and justice, it's for everyone who has suffered injustices – both in our communities and in our workplaces – especially, Black Canadians and racialized Canadians and Indigenous persons, who have endured many wrongs throughout our shared history.
Our standards are high and we must help each other meet them – if you see something, say something.
Today, please take a moment to stop and reflect about the last 8 minutes and 46 seconds of George Floyd's life. As you do so, honour the memory of those who have needlessly lost their lives because of racism.
"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences."
Brenda Lucki
Commissioner