Media Advisory - RCMP "O" Division (Ontario) welcomes new Commanding Officer at official Change of Command Ceremony

TORONTO, April 17, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, RCMP "O" Division (Ontario) members and employees officially welcomed Assistant Commissioner Jodie Boudreau as their new Commanding Officer, in a ceremony held in Toronto.

The formal change of command involved a ceremonial troop and ensign party and included RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki symbolically turning over the reins of the Division by signing a parchment and exchanging the Divisional ensign from the outgoing Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Strachan to the new Divisional Commander.

"Time and time again, Jodie has proven to be a respected, accountable leader. Her people-first leadership mentality and diverse operational experience will serve the RCMP and the citizens of Ontario very well," said Brenda Lucki, Commissioner of the RCMP. "I'm proud to be working with her to transform and modernize our RCMP."

Speaking to employees, partners and dignitaries at the ceremony, Commanding Officer Jodie Boudreau remarked, "I arrived in "O" Division a few months ago, and have had an opportunity to meet many of you, and I can tell you that I have come to know that "O" is, without a doubt, a Division where employees are devoted and determined to continue to move our Federal mandate forward with pride and in absolute service to the people of Ontario and Canada."

(For the full text of Assistant Commissioner Jodie Boudreau's speaking points at today's Change of Command Ceremony follow link below under "Related Links").

The Role of Divisional Commanding Officer:
The title of Commanding Officer is reserved specifically for the regular member in charge of an RCMP division. The individual's rank does not necessarily reflect their status as Commanding Officer – the RCMP has Commanding Officers who are Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners and Chief Superintendents. The Commanding Officer's rank is determined by the individual's level of responsibility, the territory covered by the division and the number of employees under their command.

About the "O" Division Ensign:
An ensign is a regiment's distinguishing flag. In April 1991, the Chief Herald of Canada assigned an ensign to the RCMP, as well as separate ensigns for each RCMP Division. In 1992, then Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn officially presented them to the RCMP. The "O" Division ensign consists of a sprig of three maple leaves conjoined on one stem from a trillium. The two primary symbols of the province of Ontario, the sprig of maple leaves drawn from the Arms of that province, and the Trillium, official flower of Ontario, have been combined to form a uniquely attractive badge.

Related Links:

• Speaking Points – Assistant Commissioner Jodie Boudreau, Change of Command ceremony
• View archived "Facebook Live" video from the Change of Command ceremony
• Biography of Assistant Commissioner Jodie Boudreau

RCMP "O" Division's new Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Jodie Boudreau addresses invited guests, policing partners and RCMP employees at the official Change of Command Ceremony.

The "O" Division ensign consists of a sprig of three maple leaves conjoined on one stem from a trillium.

Website: RCMP in Ontario
Twitter: @RCMPONT
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario 
Instagram: @RCMPOntario
YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE

For photos please see http://www.rcmp.gc.ca/en/news?div[]=1889

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police

For further information: Cpl. Louise Savard, RCMP Media Relations, RCMP "O" Division, 905-876-9709, Email: [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/