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Ottawa - August 10, 2007 - A Change of Command ceremony took place today to welcome the RCMP's 22nd Commissioner, William J.S. Elliott, and to thank and bid farewell to outgoing Commissioner, Bev Busson.
The ceremony took place on the grounds of the Canadian Police College in Ottawa, with a number of guests and RCMP employees in attendance. The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, acted as the official witness by signing the Change of Command document. The ceremony involved a parade and march past for the outgoing Commissioner and the new Commissioner by members in Red Serge, a troop of RCMP veterans, as well as civilian members and public service employees. This was followed by the handing over of the Commissioner's Tipstaff, from the outgoing to the new Commissioner.
"Being a part of RCMP history and tradition today at the Change of Command ceremony is a great honour for me. It is indeed a privilege to be a part of this proud national institution," said Commissioner Elliott. "I would like to thank all those who came out to share in this important event, including employees of the RCMP, friends and family, and colleagues old and new."
"I want to congratulate Mr. Elliott on his appointment as Commissioner. His leadership will help Canada's national police force move forward in the 21st century as a stronger organization," said the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Commissioner Bev Busson. Her dedication and support during this challenging transition are a testament to the high level of professionalism and excellence that defined her career."
Commissioner Elliott was sworn in as a member of the RCMP and assumed his duties as Commissioner on July 16. The Change of Command is a ceremonial event and includes the handing over of the Commissioner's Tipstaff, a symbol of authority and command, as well as a symbol of law enforcement and policing reaching back into history. The handing over of the Tipstaff reinforces the continuity of the Force, and is a visible symbol to employees and the public that the leadership of the RCMP has passed from one Commissioner to another.
Bev Busson, who will soon be retired from the force, served as the RCMP's first female Commissioner, from December 2006 to July 2007.
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For more information contact:
RCMP Media Relations
Tel: (613) 993-2999
