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Executive Council
Justice
October 4, 2012

Premier Welcomes New RCMP Commanding Officer

During a change of command ceremony held today (Thursday, October 4), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Newfoundland and Labrador welcomed its new Commanding Officer of “B” Division, Assistant Commissioner Tracy Hardy. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, attended the ceremony at RCMP headquarters along with the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

“This is an historic day for our province as Assistant Commissioner Hardy is the first woman to lead the RCMP in our province,” said Premier Dunderdale. “Assistant Commissioner Hardy’s career in the RCMP is exemplary and shows her to be the ideal person to lead “B” Division. She is conscientious, hard-working and has a collaborative leadership style which will be beneficial while working with community groups, other policing agencies and various levels of government.”

Assistant Commissioner Hardy takes command of the RCMP following the retirement of the outgoing Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Bill Smith, who held the position since September 2009.

“As Minister of Justice, I had an excellent working relationship with Assistant Commissioner Bill Smith,” said Minister Collins. “He had a true appreciation and love for Newfoundland and Labrador that was evident every time I met with him. I wish Assistant Commissioner Smith all the best during his well-deserved retirement. I also extend my congratulations to Assistant Commissioner Hardy. In the time that she has been in the province, she has proven to be an excellent leader and I look forward to working with her and the RCMP.”

Assistant Commissioner Hardy commenced her duties as Commanding Officer in May.

Biographical Information is provided in the backgrounder below.

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Media contacts:

Lynn Hammond
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
lynnhammond@gov.nl.ca
Debbie Marnell
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 697-3128
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca

Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca 
 

 

Biographical Information

Assistant Commissioner Tracy Hardy was born in Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She joined the RCMP in 1981. Upon graduating from “Depot”, Assistant Commissioner Hardy was stationed in a number of posts throughout Saskatchewan, North West Territories, British Columbia, Yukon and Prince Edward Island.

In 1997, she held the position of Team Leader/Investigator in Prince George (BC) Serious Crime Section and in 2001 moved to the position of Detachment Operations NCO in both Squamish and Penticton, BC. Assistant Commissioner Hardy held the position of Criminal Operations Officer for “M” Division, Yukon from 2004 until 2009. From there, she served as Planning Officer, Integrated Security Unit for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC. She assumed the position of Commanding Officer of “L” Division on May 3, 2010 and was promoted to Chief Superintendent on June 28, 2010 and Assistant Commissioner on May 27, 2012. On May 22, 2012, Assistant Commissioner Hardy accepted the position of Commanding Officer of “B” Division where she is currently stationed.

Assistant Commissioner Hardy is deeply committed to the enforcement of drunk-driving laws and improving police response to address the ongoing issue of domestic violence.

Assistant Commissioner Hardy has been awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, RCMP Long-Service/Bronze/Silver Clasps, two Commanding Officer's Commendations as well as the Canada 125 Medal. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Women Police.

2012 10 04             1:35 p.m.

 
 
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