Brenda Lucki has been named the RCMP's new commissioner, the first woman to take on the top post permanently, CBC reported.
At a ceremony in Regina, at the RCMP's training depot, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale announced Lucki's new role, touting her as the leader the Mounties need as the national police force grapples with "internal challenges," including alleged abuses of power and racial bias.
"Lucki has made it her mission to serve the public. She's known for being a hard worker, a dedicated officer and as someone who is constantly looking for ways to improve the status quo," Trudeau said, adding Lucki is "absolutely the best person for the job, who just happens to be a woman."
The prime minister said Lucki will play a vital role in advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, promoting gender equality, addressing workplace harassment and protecting the civil liberties of Canadians.
Facing the prospect of a new union for RCMP members and the fallout from a class action lawsuit over harassment in its ranks, Lucki said she is prepared for the potentially bumpy road ahead.
"I plan to challenge assumptions, seek explanations and better understand the reasons how we operate. This means that no stone will be left unturned. And if what we find works, then we carry on until we unearth the issues that need addressing," she said.
Lucki, a 32-year veteran of the force, has been serving as the commanding officer of the RCMP's training academy in Saskatchewan, where she has focused on bolstering diversity in the ranks. She has served at divisions in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, worked with United Nations in the former Yugoslavia and trained police units for the UN Civilian Police Mission in Haiti.
She has been awarded the United National Force Commander's commendation for bravery, two UN protection forces medals and the Canadian peacekeeping service medal.