The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is the federal, national and paramilitary police force of Canada and one of the most recognized forces in the world. It wasn’t until May 23, 1974 that RCMP Commissioner M.J. Nadon announced the RCMP began to accept applications for female members of the force opening positions that were previously reserved for male members only. Troop 17 was the first troop of 32 female regular members, who arrived at Depot in Regina on Sept. 18 and 19, 1974, to start training. This first all-female troop graduated from Depot on March 3, 1975. While the RCMP has welcomed a great deal of change in the past 30 years, the RCMP of Ponoka have recently welcomed the depot’s newest member, 25 year-old, Constable Meaghan Doyle.
With regards to her career, one of reasons Const. Doyle decided to become an RCMP officer is because of the endless opportunities the position offers. “It’s great because you get to do what you love while having the chance to live and work anywhere in Canada. ” She has been living in Ponoka since September, but having been raised in a small town on the outskirts of Ottawa on the Quebec side of the border, being stationed in a small, welcoming community with kind and helpful people and co-workers hasn’t been too much of an adjustment. This position also entails a multitude of risks and rewards that Doyle has learned how to and looks forward to handling. “Each and every day represents new challenges. You really never know what to expect,” she said.
With regards to her personal life, the fully bilingual multi-talented Doyle enjoys drawing and painting but hasn’t had the time to tap into that talent recently, her favourite food is Mexican, her favourite music ranges from country to rock and in her spare time, which probably isn’t very often, she is anxious to visit the world renowned beautiful mountains of Banff.
Doyle’s advice for anyone interested in a career path in the RCMP or a particular career in general? “Go for it and never give up because once you achieve what you’re striving towards, it is so worth it in the end.”
Congratulations and best of luck in Ponoka!