Brenda Butterworth-Carr talks about becoming B.C.'s top cop
'I've always kept in my mind why I joined the organization and that was to influence and effect change'
In her first public address since being named commanding officer of the B.C. RCMP, Brenda Butterworth-Carr mentioned diversity and inclusivity as two of the core values she intends to bring to the position.
"I've always kept in my mind why I joined the organization in the first place and that was to influence and effect positive change," said Butterworth Carr." I come from a First Nation where we strive for equality."
Butterworth-Carr is from the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Hän Nation in the Yukon and is the first Indigenous woman to hold the position.
Her career with the RCMP started 30 years ago in a three-person detachment in her home territory.
She has been in charge of Aboriginal services in B.C., spent time as the commander of the Prince George detachment and was most recently commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP.
Carr said she went through a lengthy hiring process before being confirmed in her new job, including a formal interview, psychometric testing and an in-depth reference check.
When asked about the sexual-harassment suits facing the RCMP, Butterworth-Carr said there is zero tolerance with the force for "any kind of inappropriate behaviours — sexual in nature or otherwise."
"The tone I'll be setting is the one I've had for the course of my entire experience — we are a force of inclusion and equality and we strive for that. Anything less is unacceptable," she said.