Welcome to 2017 !
As we say good by to 2016, I wanted to reflect on the many events that have occurred in our Region and across Canada. I want to commend all who work in law enforcement as working in our chosen profession is challenging but also very rewarding. I want to highlight some of those positive things our members do everyday.
2016 was a centennial year for women police officers from two major police forces in Canada, the Montreal Police Service and the Winnipeg Police Service. In 1916, women police officers joined the ranks along side their male counterparts with pride. The roles of those first women officers were very different than of today's modern policewomen but what remains a constant is the underline commitment to keep our communities safe.
Throughout 2016, the Winnipeg Police Service Police Women's Network hosted various events to recognize a "century of women in blue". To end 2016 on a high note, the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba Janice Filmon opened her home to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women police officers on December 8th, 2016. IAWP President Margaret Shorter joined us in Winnipeg to celebrate our centennial. It was a beautiful evening that brought together many current and retired women members sharing their stories and celebrating their accomplishments.
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| Women of the Winnipeg Police Service & IAWP President Margaret Shorter |
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| Winnipeg Police Service Supt Pilcher Honourable Lt Governor of Manitoba Janice Filmon |
Many milestones were recognized across western/northern Canada and I would like to congratulate all who achieved personal and professional milestones. Here are just a few of the many milestones:
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| Regina Police Service Supt Morin 30 year Exemplary Service Medal December 2016  Vancouver Police Department members Exemplary Service Medals Honourable Lt Governor of British Columbia Judith Guichon November 2016
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I would like to also recognize the great work that many are doing out in their communities. Everyday actions that are making the difference; being in our communities and celebrating events
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| Moose Jaw Police Service Car Seat Safety Inspections December 2016 |
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| Career Day events promoting women officers working in Emergency Services in Saskatchewan November 2016 |
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| Regina Police Service National Teen Driver Safety Week October 2016 |
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| Pride Celebrations in Alberta RCMP Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan July 2016 |
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| Pride Celebrations - Edmonton Police Service July 2016 |
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| Women officers of Vancouver Police Department Summer 2016 |
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| RCMP members at Juno Awards in Calgary April 2016 |
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| Winnipeg Police Service Anti-Bulling Campaign - Wear Pink Day February 2016 |
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| RCMP Alberta - Anti-Bullying Campaign |
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| RCMP Yukon - Whitehorse February 2016 |
To those who are interested in this year's IAWP training conference in Cairns, Australia, please do not hesitate to reach out to the organizing committee. The chosen theme “Global Networks: Local Law Enforcement” was selected to highlight the importance of partnerships and celebrate the cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the community around the globe. Please visit their website at http://2017iwlec.com.au/ for complete details. Conference is from September 17 to 21, 2017 - hope to see some of you there!
For those who won't be able to attend Cairns, you will be happy to know that IAWP 2018 training conference will be held in Calgary, Alberta from August 26-30, 2018. IAWP 2018 conference is being hosted by the Calgary Police Service. For anyone that has been to Calgary in the summer, it is a great time to see Alberta so please save the date in 2018.
Starting January 1st, 2017 nominations are open for the IAWP Awards of Excellence. New in 2017, is an award to recognize a male officer or civilian employed by a law enforcement agency or police force, who has made a significant contribution and commitment to the advancement of women in policing. The IAWP recognizes the important role men play in improving policing for women officers and/or civilian employees, such as implementing employment policies and practices, recruitment or training in order to redress gender discrimination, or the active advancement of women in policing.
Starting January 1st, 2017 nominations are open for the IAWP Awards of Excellence. New in 2017, is an award to recognize a male officer or civilian employed by a law enforcement agency or police force, who has made a significant contribution and commitment to the advancement of women in policing. The IAWP recognizes the important role men play in improving policing for women officers and/or civilian employees, such as implementing employment policies and practices, recruitment or training in order to redress gender discrimination, or the active advancement of women in policing.
Please have a look at the IAWP website to review the many categories and please do not hesitate to contact me to assist you in preparing your nomination.
I encourage all our members to send me information about the many activities going on in our Region. As well, a reminder that IAWP's quarterly magazine called WomenPolice is always looking for articles and ideas to share with our colleagues from around the world.
I look forward to working with all of you in the future. All the best in 2017!
