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As Remembrance Day approaches, we reflect on the sacrifices our veterans made.
Many of us picture a “typical” veteran in military uniform, perhaps from the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force or the Royal Canadian Navy. But what about veterans who served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police? Are they veterans as well?
According to Veterans Affairs Canada, RCMP members are indeed veterans. They fall under a classification somewhat separate from their Canadian Armed Forces counterparts, but they are entitled to similar benefits and services. RCMP veterans, like those who served in the military, are eligible for Veterans Affairs programs that provide health care, rehabilitation and transitional support. Yet, while they share the title of “veteran,” do RCMP and military veterans face the same challenges?
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Recent research indicates that RCMP veterans often experience many of the same issues as military veterans, particularly when it comes to mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and when dealing with chronic pain. That’s pain that persists beyond the usual course of acute illness or healing time of an injury (usually beyond three to six months) or that reoccurs over months and years.
Both groups are exposed to intense, high-pressure situations, whether on foreign battlefields or during police operations in Canada. However, RCMP veterans, especially female officers, often face unique challenges related to the nature of their work.
Some RCMP veterans have gone on the record to share their personal stories that highlight these common sacrifices. Laurie White, for example, was shot while serving a search warrant, resulting in the loss of her leg. She has since transitioned to a new career as a speaker for RCMP cadets, using her personal experience to inspire and educate the next generation of officers. Her story underscores the fact that while most RCMP veterans may not have served in combat zones abroad, they still face life-altering risks while protecting the public here at home.
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But what about public attitudes?
The public often associates veterans only with overseas military service, overlooking RCMP veterans who served domestically in law enforcement roles. This lack of recognition contributes to a broader issue, limited research and resources dedicated to understanding the specific needs of RCMP veterans. While much has been done to support military veterans, more attention must also be paid to documenting and addressing the unique challenges faced by RCMP veterans, especially as many struggle with physical and mental health conditions stemming from their service.
Many RCMP officers worked placed in remote postings in Canada’s northernmost regions, far from home, protecting our communities. These brave police stayed here, on Canadian soil, to protect us from the threats that Canadians face every day.
These threats include violent crime, rape, and child abuse — unimaginable horrors. RCMP veterans worked unsociable hours, including shift work, sometimes lived in the same communities they policed, and faced the risk of assault even when off-duty. Their commitment and service to Canada were no less significant than their military peers.
As we honour all veterans, we must reconsider how we acknowledge RCMP veterans. This Remembrance Day, as we remember those who sacrificed for us, let’s not forget those who fought at home — the men and women in red who served our country on Canadian soil. Thank you to all our veterans.
Lauren O’Grady is the communications specialist at the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans.
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