Milestone appointment brings fresh vision to RCMP’s senior leadership team
By Mara Shaw
Careers
Corps Sergeant Major, Elaine Maisonneuve joins colleagues for an awards ceremony in Ottawa.
Image by Serge Gouin, RCMP
November 14, 2024
Content
The RCMP marked a significant milestone this past summer with the appointment of its first female Corps Sergeant Major (CSM), Elaine Maisonneuve, who has dedicated more than 26 years to public service. Appointed by Commissioner Mike Duheme in March 2024, Maisonneuve's journey reflects the evolving role of women police officers within the RCMP and underscores the importance of leadership rooted in tradition, modernization, and optimism.
Reporting to the Commissioner, the CSM ensures senior leadership is aware of the realities in detachments across the organization, helping to inform policy decisions that support public safety.
"The role includes preserving history and traditions within the organization, while evolving our culture and operations to modern policing realities," says Duheme. "This will help ensure we are being reflective of the communities we serve, Canadian society and values. The role also encompasses overseeing employee wellness and promoting the RCMP's core values."
From the Yukon to peacekeeping in Switzerland
With an impressive career spanning two decades, Maisonneuve's passion for policing sparked in her hometown in northern Alberta.
"I was always drawn to the physical and mental challenges of policing. In a small town, I grew up seeing RCMP officers and I always found their role fascinating," she recalls. Her early interest in military and public service led her to join the RCMP, where she's held many roles across Canada and in peacekeeping missions abroad.
Her career began with a remote posting to Canada's north in the Yukon Territory, where she spent 10 years honing her skills in general-duty policing before transitioning to plain-clothes sections. A move to Ottawa 16 years ago led her to the world of federal investigations, national security, and international anticorruption work. It eventually led to a 20-month international deployment in Switzerland, where she would learn of her promotion to CSM.
Corps Sergeant Major, Elaine Maisonneuve reports for duty during her peacekeeping operation in Vietnam.
Image provided by CSM Elaine Maisonneuve
Supporting change while preserving history
Maisonneuve admits that the transition to CSM brings new responsibilities and challenges.
"Our organization covers a massive and diverse landscape. There's no one-size-fits-all approach," she explains. "Yet, certain things must be applied consistently across the force."
Maisonneuve works alongside 30 warrant officers across the country to ascribe a pulse of the organization from coast to coast to coast. In an organization steeped in tradition, change is not always easy. Yet, Maisonneuve says she's committed to leading by example.
"My office plays a unique role in feeding ground truths to senior leadership and supporting change directed from the top decision-makers," says Maisonneuve. "Some messages can be difficult to accept and convey, but it's important to create greater understanding from within."
Though she is still adjusting to the demands of the role, Maisonneuve is optimistic about the future.
"In the short time I've been in the role, I've learned so much more about the RCMP," remarks Maisonneuve. "After 26 years, I didn't expect such a steep learning curve. I've enjoyed visiting the divisions and understanding firsthand the realities our employees face."
Special milestone for women in uniform
As the first woman appointed to the role of CSM, Maisonneuve acknowledges the progress.
"I recognize it's an important milestone for women and the organization," she says. "My hope is that it inspires other women within the RCMP and those considering a career with us."
Her appointment comes at a significant time, as the RCMP celebrates the 50th anniversary of women police officers.
"It's notable that we've now had women occupy every senior rank in the RCMP. I hope this shows women that they have an important role to play at every level of the organization," says Duheme.
Priorities for the future
As Maisonneuve settles into her new role, she's eager to push for modernization and growth within the Force.
"I want to find ways to reduce barriers to advancement and contribute to changing the narrative," she says. "The RCMP does a lot of good work, but sometimes our humility gets in the way. We need to celebrate how far we've come and share the positive stories from our divisions."
