Progress on the RCMP's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy

Update

The Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet Experience (DICE) is a new RCMP recruitment and retention initiative focused on removing systemic barriers that impact racialized and underrepresented persons who want to join the RCMP. Launched in October 2023, this program has already run two troops of 32 cadets through the Training Academy (Depot) with three more planned before the end of March 2025. As of June 2024, the program has over 700 applicants in queue.

The RCMP's first Diversity Retention and Employee Advancement Model (DREAM) workshop was held from March 26-28, 2024, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The two-day event consisted of presentations by the Anti-Racism and Equity Diversity and Inclusion units; an overview of staffing and the promotional process; a leadership panel of RCMP female leaders: working groups with DREAM mentors: networking opportunities and open discussions and a keynote speaker. The feedback was very positive and more DREAM workshops are currently being planned.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy implementation plans are in place in almost every division and business line. Progress reports on implementation plans were received from each division in early April. Preliminary work has started on the analysis of the information and will be used to inform the 2023-24 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Report as well as measure progress made against the goals set out in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Work has started on the review and update of the RCMP Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. The previous 2020 strategy focused on providing leadership and governance, enhancing awareness and education, changing culture and transforming, and, being clear, accountable and transparent. The renewed strategy will continue this important work with a vision of taking intentional steps and facilitating meaningful discussions to nurture an inclusive culture aligned with our Core Values with the goal of achieving a diverse, equitable and inclusive RCMP.

On December 31, 2023, the RCMP published its first annual Accessibility Progress Report, in accordance with the Accessible Canada Act. The report speaks to the progress made to date to improve accessibility for the people it hires and the way it does business against the goals set out in the RCMP 2023-2025 Accessibility Strategy and Plan.

During winter 2023, the RCMP also launched its first Accessibility Survey to gather feedback on the implementation of the RCMP 2023-2025 Accessibility Strategy and Plan, and to get a better understanding of the barriers RCMP employees face, especially those living with a disability. The feedback collected will be used to measure progress, adapt current work, as needed, and inform future versions of the RCMP Accessibility Strategy and Plan.

Update

The RCMP is developing a performance measurement framework for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy. The framework will help the organization understand, in measurable terms, the current state of its commitments outlined in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and determine how to best advance. This will enable the organization to track progress against baseline data for a number of key performance indicators to ensure accountability for our leadership and employees across the RCMP.

In September 2022, the RCMP launched the Disability and Accessibility Action Group and Network. This marked a turning point for the organization to consider perspectives and lived experiences of people with disabilities—both employees and members of the public we serve. The mission of this network is to advocate for disability and accessibility issues by identifying and sharing best practices and solutions to address issues faced by employees with disabilities. The RCMP also launched the RCMP Employee Pride Network this year. This network acts as a consultative body to improve the working environment for all Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, (2SLGBTQIA+) employees. Membership for each of these networks is open to all RCMP employees who identify as a member or who wish to be an ally of the respective community.

In January 2023, the RCMP tabled the first-ever RCMP accessibility plan, "Building an Accessible RCMP: The Framework to Deliver the First Departmental Accessibility Strategy and Accessibility Plan 2023-2025". The plan aims to identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessibility for employees and clients with disabilities. The goal is to provide them with every opportunity to participate fully and equally in an inclusive and barrier-free environment where they can realize their potential and feel they belong. Going forward, in consultation with persons with disabilities, the RCMP will also measure and report on the progress of this plan.

Update

The RCMP released its second annual Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Report, which provides the latest updates on EDI priorities for 2021-2022 and the key areas of focus for this upcoming year. It includes meaningful changes that the RCMP is making to create a more modern and inclusive organization. The report also provides recent organizational data concerning representation.

Over the past year, more than 95% of employees completed the RCMP's new Cultural Awareness and Humility training course, designed to strengthen intercultural competence. The RCMP is also delivering its new Uniting Against Racism course, an in-depth online course that examines race and racism, including the history of racism in Canada. Both courses are mandatory.

As required by the Accessible Canada Act the RCMP is developing an accessibility plan in consultation with persons with disabilities for identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility. The new plan will include an RCMP accessibility and disability support network. The RCMP will publish its accessibility plan by December 31, 2022, in accordance with the Accessible Canada Regulations.