When Brenda Butterworth-Carr joined the RCMP 30 years ago as a native special constable in the Yukon, she wanted to create positive change.
Now, as assistant commissioner and newly appointed commanding officer for the B.C. RCMP, Butterworth-Carr's goal remains the same, both in the community and within the RCMP.
"I've always kept in the bottom of my mind as to why I joined the organization in first place," she said Tuesday, almost a week after it was announced that she had become the first aboriginal woman to lead the B.C. RCMP.
She replaced deputy commissioner Craig Callens, who served as commanding officer for five years.
Butterworth-Carr said building strong relationships between the RCMP and the communities it serves is a priority for her - particularly when it comes to issues like missing and murdered indigenous women - and she plans to build on the foundation that has already been laid.
"One of the things that is very critical to me is to really continue the engagement in all of our communities in a very collaborative manner," she said.
"Police services are not done in isolation. I believe that together we're stronger and that will continue to be our focus as we move into the future."
Butterworth-Carr said the biggest challenge facing the RCMP, both in B.C. and nationwide, is attraction and retention of members. Part of the problem is salaries for front line officers, which are among the worst in the country.
"I would certainly say pay has been a challenge for us," she said.
Morale has also been an issue. There have been countless stories about instances of misconduct and sexual harassment within the RCMP across Canada.
Butterworth-Carr said there is zero tolerance for that kind of behaviour and those who conduct themselves inappropriately will be dealt with, including having their duty status examined.
"We are a force of inclusion and equality, and we strive for that. Anything less than that is unacceptable," she said.
Butterworth-Carr believes her diverse experience and willingness to take on challenges helped her beat out the other candidates for the job. She also highlighted her work ethic, tenacity and perseverance.
"My experiences have lent credibility to what I bring to the organization, from the smallest detachments in the north to larger municipal detachments and certainly on a national level," she said. "I don't shy away from any challenges."
Since she joined the RCMP in 1987, Butterworth-Carr has served in the Yukon, Saskatchewan, B.C. and national headquarters in Ottawa. She has held many high-ranking positions, including assistant district commander in "E" Division's North District, officer in charge of the Prince George detachment from 2009 to 2011 and director general of national Aboriginal policing and crime prevention services.
Butterworth-Carr has served as the criminal operations officer and then the commanding officer in Saskatchewan before returning to B.C. in August 2016 as the officer in charge of criminal operations core policing.
