RCMP’s Efforts to Enhance Diversity and Inclusion

Date: June 12, 2020

Classification: Unclassified

Branch/Agency: RMCP

Issue: Statistics from April 1st, 2019 published in the RCMP’s 2018-2019 Annual Employment Equity Report show that the increase in the number of individuals who self-identify as members of one or more employment equity groups has been slow compared to previous years.

Proposed Response:

Background:

The RCMP is committed to modernizing its culture to foster an inclusive workplace that welcomes diversity. The RCMP prioritizes recruiting qualified applicants from broadly diverse backgrounds to offer culturally competent police services to Canada’s communities. We believe that diversity makes us a more innovative and resilient organization that is better able to serve all people of Canada.

The RCMP is currently working with a variety of cultural and community groups across Canada to raise awareness about opportunities for a career in policing. Career presentations and recruiting events, which take place across the country, will answer specific questions from diverse groups applying to and joining the RCMP.

We intend to continue efforts toward a more broadly diverse workforce through targeted initiatives including career fairs and cultural events that position the RCMP as an employer of choice; and to attract people who may not have considered a career in policing.

Ove the past two years, the RCMP has initiated a review of its policies and programs to ensure they are barrier-free. This included a GBA+ of its recruiting process, which identified areas for improvement.  Further reviews are underway to address areas that are barriers to diverse applicants.  The RCMP is also developing a strategy to increase diversity at the senior levels in response to a recent audit of Commissioned Officer Staffing.

Recently, the RCMP launched a pilot program to help Inuit candidates navigate the recruitment process. The goal is to encourage Inuit candidates to consider a career in policing with the RCMP, as well as to gain a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by Inuit applicants with a view to improving the application process.

Contacts:

Approved by: Gail Johnson, CHRO, 613-843-6199

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