On August 16, as part of USJE’s National RCMP Campaign, President David Neufeld, Regional Vice President Annie Blanchette and members of the USJE communications team visited the RCMP Detachment in Valleyfield, Quebec. Sgt. Hugo Lavoie welcomed the USJE representatives to the detachment and provided a detailed tour of the site. An opportunity was also provided to meet with two USJE members who work on site and to speak with them about their role in the detachment.
Valleyfield Detachment in Quebec is one of only nine RCMP detachments in the province. The present building was opened in 2018.
During the visit, USJE learned about some of the recruitment problems that are pervasive throughout the RCMP and in police organizations more generally. The planned changes by the RCMP to the recruitment formula, among other initiatives, are encouraging – but USJE recognizes it will take some time for the RCMP to overcome these challenges. The classification of certain positions can also make it difficult to recruit public service employees into the RCMP.
Valleyfield plays an integral role in combatting organized crime, drug trafficking and maintaining border security. USJE members from coast to coast to coast undertake many roles that support overall police operations and services to the public. Given the Detachment’s proximity to the border, there is often coordination with American police agencies.
USJE appreciated the warm welcome offered during this visit and came away with some key insights into the role RCMP Detachments play in the province and the country. We are immensely proud of the crucial public safety work undertaken by USJE members – and look forward to building on these insights as USJE continues to advocate on behalf of the thousands of public service employees who are employed in the RCMP.
Over the past several years, USJE has witnessed how some municipalities and provinces across Canada are actively considering severing its ties with the RCMP. The debate that has transpired in the public often creates misconceptions and misunderstandings of the RCMP, and the work of all of its employees, including thousands of USJE’s members.
USJE is deeply committed to standing up for its members who work for the RCMP, and who are the operational backbone of Canada’s National Policing agency.
We know that USJE’s members within the RCMP play unique roles, undertaking highly specialized work that supports the day-to-day operations of this diverse and complex organization. USJE members work hand in hand alongside uniformed and Civilian members who all contribute to a robust public safety network.
In the next phase of USJE’s RCMP Campaign, USJE will be launching a dedicated RCMP Campaign website so that all Canadians can better understand our members’ contributions to public safety in our communities across the country. Stay tuned!