OTTAWA, December 8, 2011 — A Change of Command ceremony took place today to thank and bid farewell to outgoing Commissioner, William J.S. Elliott and to welcome the RCMP’s 23rd Commissioner, Bob Paulson.
“I am pleased to welcome Bob Paulson as the 23rd Commissioner of the RCMP. He has the leadership skills and breadth of experience necessary to strengthen our national police force now and into the future,” said Canada’s Public Safety Minister, Vic Toews. “Commissioner Paulson is well-positioned to build on the modernization efforts of the RCMP as it continues to serve our communities with integrity.”
The ceremony took place at the Canada Reception Centre in Ottawa. The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, was present to sign 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 and a troop of RCMP veterans.
“The RCMP is a remarkable institution and it is truly a privilege to become its Commissioner,” said Paulson. “During my service, I witnessed the selfless dedication of the women and men who make up the RCMP. Their service defines us as an essential element of the Canadian fabric and will help us continue to build the trust of Canadians.”
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. It symbolizes to employees and the public that the leadership of the RCMP has passed from one Commissioner to another.
William J.S. Elliott, who has taken on new challenges as Special Representative of INTERPOL to the United Nations, served as the first civilian Commissioner of the RCMP from July 2007 to November 2011.
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RCMP Media Relations
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