RCMP highlight community ties and language skills in diverse Fort McMurray region,
FORT McMURRAY, AB. — As part of its ongoing effort to build trust in one of Canada’s most diverse regions, the RCMP in Wood Buffalo says its officers are working closely with cultural communities and using language skills to bridge gaps in understanding.
Nearly 40 per cent of residents in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo identify as visible minorities, according to the 2021 municipal census. The latest federal data adds that more than 20 per cent of the region’s population was born outside Canada.
RCMP Chief Superintendent Mark Hancock says the diversity of the detachment reflects the communities it serves.
“We have members who can translate and speak many languages, and we also have translation services if needed to enhance communication with our clients,” says Hancock. “We are very involved in our communities, including First Nations and Metis, in our Muslim community and in our schools.”
Staff Sergeant Sabrina Clayton adds that nearly 25 per cent of the detachment’s members speak more than one language, with some fluent in three or more. “The Wood Buffalo Detachment has members fluent in Arabic, Armenian, Bengdi, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, Tagalog and Urdu,” says Clayton.
The RCMP in Wood Buffalo includes 28 visible minority officers among a force of roughly 200 members. Hancock says officers take part in information sessions for newcomers, many of whom may be unfamiliar or even uneasy with the Canadian model of community policing.
“We hold information sessions for new Canadians, and many do not understand our model of policing and may be distrustful of police,” says Hancock. He says he encourages all officers to be approachable and focused on assisting the public.
Hancock adds that the impact of policing in such a dynamic region extends far beyond Wood Buffalo.
“When the Regular Members transfer to another posting after 5 years, they are well trained and desired by other Detachments or units,” says Hancock. “The word is getting out that this is a great place to work and live. Over the past few years, there has been more interest from experienced officers to come here from within Alberta, but also from other Provinces.”
Part of the appeal comes from changes within our community. Over the years, the RMWB has focused on building and expanding recreation and creating a family-friendly environment. With one of the youngest per capita populations in Canada, the image of the rough-and-tumble oil town has begun to change. Hancock sees it first-hand, “Overall it appears that Fort McMurray has become a very family-oriented community over the past few years.”
“The word is getting out that Fort McMurray is a good place to live and work.”
When Superintendent Hancock has exit interviews with officers completing their posting, he says they consistently have positive things to say about Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, with many wanting to return as Hancock himself did.
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