A Tribute: Gazette says goodbye to long-time Editor Katherine Aldred

Good 'Ol Days

Aldred first started with the RCMP in 2000, as a writer and Staff Relations Representative (SRR), before quickly moving to National Communications Services (NCS) – now called National Communications and Public Affairs (NCPA). It was there she met Melanie Roush, who was writing for the now-defunct internal employee magazine The Pony Express.

Like many other colleagues, Roush remembers Aldred as friendly, kind, and easy to talk to, always with a positive attitude, a sharp wit, and a great sense of humour that made her integrate quickly with her colleagues.

“It didn't take long for her to join our new after-work dinner club where we shared plenty of giggles trying out the new Le Nordik spa for the first time or having our tea leaves read,” says Roush.

“I immediately liked her,” says Liam Gerofsky, who also worked on the Pony and collaborated closely with Aldred on cover themes and feature stories. “She was quick-witted, funny in that dry way I've always appreciated, and unfailingly professional.”

It wasn't just colleagues who took to Aldred; she was also well-liked by her bosses.

“Katherine was a model employee,” says Nancy Sample, who oversaw the Gazette team as the Director of Creative Services and Publications between 2006 and 2017. “She cared about the job and the workplace. She would always look for solutions if problems arose rather than simply complaining.”

Character counts

People took notice of Aldred's pride in her work and her meticulous approach. As a result, she quicky became recognized as a true professional and rose through the ranks on the Gazette team: from writer in 2003, to acting editor the following year, before being made permanent in 2007.

“She developed these relationships with subject-matter experts, they respected her, and I think that's why she got such great content for the magazine,” says Sample, and Gerofsky agrees.

“Her interviews with RCMP leaders were always engaging because she had a gift for making people feel at ease while keeping the focus sharp and relevant for readers,” he says.

As editor, Aldred ushered in several major changes to modernize the magazine, including a gradual updated look for each print issue.

“If you look at old copies [of the magazine] it's more modern with better photography,” says Sample. “She was always looking for something new to do with it.”

Signature success

In 2007, as first of several changes, Aldred, with the help of the RCMP national Web Team, successfully led the Gazette in its Internet debut, initiating the creation of its own webpage, which featured a digital issue every four months and additional monthly online exclusives.

She was also behind first promoting the Gazette on social media, in 2013.

And, in 2016, led the Gazette team through transition when the magazine merged with its internal counterpart The Pony, offering content geared to audiences both inside and outside of the RCMP in one publication.

“She loved that magazine,” says Lisa Nielsen, who oversaw graphic design at National Communication Services at the time.

Tending talent

Aldred was the first to submit the publication for a MarCom Award—a global competition honouring writing, web design, audio-visual presentation, and other creative work.

“It was important to her that the writers were recognized for the work,” says Sample. “She cared about the work and her team.”

Mara Shaw was a writer and copyeditor with the Gazette from 2023 to 2025. “She created space for ideas and growth and led with an openness and genuine curiosity,” says Shaw. “I think that curiosity is what made her such a great editor.”

Under her leadership the Gazette thrived, receiving 7 MarCom Awards in the government category between 2013 and 2019—5 gold and 2 platinum.

“It's rare to find talent like hers that can produce such a high-quality product that is the award-winning Gazette, and at the same time keep it current,” says Jolene Bradley, who became Aldred's colleague at National Communication Services when the future editor first arrived.

In 2023, Aldred oversaw the development and publication of the Gazette's special edition in honour of the 150th anniversary of the RCMP. The publication is the last print edition of the Gazette. “She was proud of leading that project and it's forever her RCMP legacy project,” says Sam Jaroudi, the Director of Public Affairs.

Strength in motion

Her colleagues and employees consistently remember Aldred as being reliable, kind, positive, and dedicated to health and fitness.

“Her passion was running, and she participated in many different marathons, even as far as Iceland,” says Roush. When she herself took up running, Aldred was there to offer encouragement and support.

“When she got sick, she handled the news in true Katherine style - with courage and grace,” says Roush of Aldred's 3 rounds of cancer treatments. “Each time, she fought as hard as she could so she could have more time with her favourite people, enjoying her favourite activities.”

“Even through her long fight with cancer, her positivity and sense of humour never wavered,” says Gerofsky.

News of Aldred's passing was difficult on her colleagues.

“She was diligent about going to the gym every day at work, that's why her death was so shocking — she was so healthy,” says Bradley. “I used to tease her about coming in with those sneakers every morning. But then she'd change into her nice shoes, and she was all business after that.”

“The RCMP is better for the legacy she built there,” says Gerofsky. “I will always remember her for the professionalism, kindness, and humour she brought every day.”

Gerofsky and many of Aldred's work friends agree that she was a spark that “left an indelible mark on both the Gazette and the people lucky enough to work alongside her.”