RCMP Officers in Red Serge added a splash of color to the ceremony, and the Charlottetown City Police Department Choir opened the celebration with the National Anthem. RCMP Commissioner Bev Busson and Deputy Commissioner Harper Boucher (Atlantic Region) were in attendance, and Wayne Collins hosted the event. Lieutenant Governor Barbara Hagerman welcomed guests to Government House and thanked the RCMP for their years of dedicated service.

“I am very pleased to be hosting this ceremony today,” said Lieutenant Governor Barbara Hagerman. “As Canadians, we are so proud of our Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who are recognized around the world.”

Premier Pat Binns spoke about the history of the RCMP in Prince Edward Island and congratulated Commanding Officer Robar for services the RCMP continue to provide to the people of the province today.

“The RCMP “L” Division commands a presence in areas such as Aboriginal Policing, Community Policing, Criminal Operations, and in detachments throughout the province,” said Premier Binns. “Steeped in a long and accomplished history, this organization has succeeded as our National Police Force by adapting to our fast changing world, while still holding fast to important traditions. I want to take this opportunity to commend the RCMP for the excellent police work they do on behalf of the people of our province.”

The celebration was highlighted with a mix of history and promise for the future when Retired RCMP officer Jim Hatcher spoke about his years in service, and introduced the “L” Detachment’s newest officer, Cst. Tim Lynch.

“The RCMP has a long and proud history in this province and May 1, 2007 marks our 75th anniversary as the provincial policing agency on PEI,” said CO Randy Robar. “Some things have not changed - principal among them is our commitment to serve the public of this province and ensure that they are safe and secure in their homes and in their communities. We do this in partnership with communities and we take great pride in the confidence you have shown us over the years."

Premier Binns and CO Robar concluded the formal portion of the celebration by signing a proclamation declaring that the 75th Anniversary of the RCMP as the provincial policing service in Prince Edward Island be recognized throughout 2007, and extending gratitude to the members of RCMP "L" Division for the high quality police services provided to the people of Prince Edward Island.

RCMP events recognizing this important milestone anniversary will continue throughout the year.

Backgrounder:

On April 6, 1933 the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island assented to the policing agreement in An Act to Provide For The Transfer Of The Duties Of The Prince Edward Island Provincial Police To The Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Statute book for 1933 (Cap. 22). The bill was signed on behalf of the Government of Canada by the Honourable Hugh Guthrie, Minister of Justice, and on behalf of the Province of Prince Edward Island by the Honourable James D. Stewart, Attorney General.

Proclamation

Recognizing the 75th Anniversary of Royal Canadian Mounted Police

WHEREAS on the first day of May, 1932, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police began the duties as the provincial police service for the province of Prince Edward Island; and

WHEREAS the RCMP “L” Division today works with communities and government to address national policing priorities of youth, aboriginal communities, international policing, organized crime and terrorism; and

WHEREAS the RCMP “L” Division also works with communities and government to ensure the safety and security of Islanders, particularly in the areas of youth, highway safety, family violence prevention and organized crime/drug trafficking; and

WHEREAS on the opening day of the Fourth Session of the Sixty-second General Assembly, government tabled a pro forma bill intituled An Act to Acknowledge the Year 2007 as the 75th Anniversary of the RCMP as the Provincial Policing Service on Prince Edward Island;

THEREFORE we hereby declare that the 75th Anniversary of the RCMP as the provincial policing service in Prince Edward Island be recognized throughout 2007, and extend gratitude to the members of RCMP “L” Division for the high quality police services provided to the people of Prince Edward Island.

Signed on this First day of May, 2007, by the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier, and RCMP “L” Division Chief Superintendent Randy Robar, at Government House, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.