Police Division sets ‘ambitious’ recruitment target: 50% women

Karen Adams was part of the RCMP's first all-female troop to graduate in 1975. She says the force should push for diversity, but worries about pushing it too far.PHOTO: JASON FRANSON/ FOR POSTMEDIA

Douglas Quan

Beginning next year, the RCMP is aiming for the first time to enroll just as many women as men in its training academy in Regina.

Some observers are skeptical whether there’s enough interest among women to reach the 50 per cent recruitment target — especially when a “masculine culture” still pervades the force.

But officials say they are determined to get the makeup of the force to be more representative of the communities they serve.

“It absolutely is ambitious. But in my position as part of this national police force I think it’s important that we’re a leader in employment equity hiring,” said Sgt. Marlene Bzdel, director of the national recruiting policy centre.

Currently, women represent about 21 per cent of sworn officers. Mounties want to increase that to 30 per cent by 2025.

In recent weeks, the RCMP has been highlighting on its website achievements of women over the past 40 years, such as the first female bomb technician and the first female emergency response team member.

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