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The RCMP says Saskatchewan’s former commanding officer now has a new job with the force.
Mounties say Rhonda Blackmore has been hired as assistant commissioner of Indigenous and support services, replacing Warren Brown, who recently announced his retirement.
The position is based out of national headquarters in Ottawa.
Blackmore, a 30-year RCMP veteran who assumed the position as the assistant commissioner of Saskatchewan’s RCMP F Division in April 2021, was relieved of her duties on June 3.
In an emailed statement that day, Blackmore said the decision was “a result of anonymous complaints.”
The RCMP declined to comment on the complaints and whether they were launched through the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner — an independent federal organization that investigates wrongdoing in the federal public sector, and has jurisdiction over the RCMP.
Blackmore has not commented publicly on her removal since June 3. She was not made available for an interview.
This week, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations released a public letter, demanding answers about Blackmore’s sudden removal.
Executive members and several tribal councils from the federation, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, praised Blackmore’s commitment to community policing and highlighted her leadership during key crises, including the 2022 mass killings on James Smith Cree Nation.
They also said Blackmore had made efforts to improve Indigenous recruitment, foster trust through working agreements with communities and push for systemic reform within the RCMP.
“Rhonda showed strong leadership during a time of crisis for James Smith,” Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said in the federation’s statement.
“She, along with her team, worked hard to develop trust through her compassion and understanding.”
The FSIN said a lack of public explanation and absence of consultation for Blackmore’s removal has rattled confidence in the RCMP’s internal processes.
The federation made three demands:
- The immediate reinstatement of Blackmore pending a transparent external investigation.
- The establishment of independent oversight for RCMP disciplinary actions, particularly regarding anonymous complaints.
- A formal commitment to protect RCMP officers who advocate for reform and community safety.
In a statement of its own, the RCMP said it remains “fully committed to community policing and accountability” and values its relationship with the federation.
It added that the appointment of an interim commanding officer “will have no impact on front-line policing operations nor the safety and security of Indigenous communities during this interim period.”
The RCMP said it is confident that F Division officers will continue to serve Indigenous communities with dedication and professionalism.