‘Stand with her': Petition established for former commander of Sask. RCMP

CTV News

20 hours ago

Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore speaks during a press conference at RCMP "F" Division Headquarters in Regina on Wednesday Sept. 7, 2022. Myles Sanderson, a suspect in a deadly series of stabbings in Saskatchewan, was caught by police on a highway, arrested, and died, RCMP said Wednesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michael Bell
Supporters of the former head of the Saskatchewan RCMP have set up a petition – asking Prime Minister Mark Carney to review the removal of Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore.
'The dismissal of Commanding Officer Rhonda Blackmore has deeply affected many members of our force and the broader community. Feelings of frustration, disappointment, and concern are widespread,' the petition description read.
The petition calls for RCMP members to remove their gender label on the service's human resources management information system (HRMIS) as a way to peacefully protest Blackmore's removal.
'Each year, National Headquarters reports to Parliament about diversity within our organization, relying on our voluntary self-declarations in HRMIS to showcase progress and representation,' the description reads.
'As a meaningful and peaceful form of protest, it is proposed to collectively withdraw our self-declared Employment Equity Status from HRMIS.'
The petition, titled 'Open Letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney to review RCMP removal of A/Comm Blackmore' has nearly 450 signatures as of June 12.
In addition to the petition, a website has been established in support of Blackmore.
Titled 'I Stand With Her' the website provides links to email Premier Scott Moe, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the National Police Federation (NPF) which serves as the union for RCMP officers.
'The force is struggling to retain experienced officers, recruit new cadets and provinces across the country are looking for reasons to keep the RCMP over breaking free from Ottawa's control and starting their own provincial police,' an excerpt from the site reads.
'This poor treatment of a cherished leader doesn't help.'
On June 3, Blackmore was removed as the commanding officer of 'F' Division. The service confirmed that Assistant Commissioner Robin McNeil will serve in the role on an interim basis.
Blackmore's dismissal initially came to light through a leaked message – sent by Blackmore to members of the Saskatchewan RCMP.
In the message, Blackmore claimed that the service's senior executive ordered the removal due to 'anonymous complaints' made against her.
During her time leading the Saskatchewan RCMP, Blackmore launched the service's first Indigenous recruitment unit to ensure Indigenous representation in communities across the province.
She also resided over the service during the James Smith Cree Nation stabbings, which saw 10 people die and 17 injured. The resulting manhunt and death of Myles Sanderson, and the inquest that followed saw Blackmore stay in the national spotlight.
Originally from a farm near Hanover, Ont., Blackmore joined the RCMP in 1995 – serving in several Saskatchewan communities for seven years before transferring to RCMP National Headquarters in Ottawa in 2002.
Blackmore assumed command of 'F' Division in April of 2021. As the head of the Saskatchewan RCMP, Blackmore oversaw nearly 1,600 employees, consisting of 1,100 sworn officers at 80 detachments.