Download Flin Flon Detachment

Gerard Jennissen, MLA Flin Flon
April 13, 2010
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Flin Flon Detachment
Mr. Speaker, this April the Flin Flon detachment of the RCMP is
celebrating its 75th anniversary, marking the oldest municipal RCMP
contract in Canada's history.
Assembled in 1873 by Sir John A. Macdonald, the North-West Mounted
Police force, later renamed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, was
initially charged with the task of establishing friendly relations with the
Aboriginals of the Prairies and maintaining the peace as settlers arrived,
but expanded over time. Prior to 1930, the RCMP attended to the Flin
Flon area on an as-needed basis but in 1935 entered the area of
municipal policing with its first contract to serve as the police force in
Flin Flon.
The work was often arduous and involved a sizeable degree of danger.
Officers carried out searches for missing persons, rescued injured or
starving First Nations people and trappers, enforced game laws, noted
weather observations for the meteorological bureau and investigated
crimes.
Over the last 75 years, more than 350 RCMP officers have served the
residents of Flin Flon and the surrounding area. In July of 1999, the Flin
Flon and Cranberry Portage detachments consolidated.
The work of the force has greatly evolved over the years. The RCMP is
no longer simply an outside agency contracted to enforce the law in the
north, but an organization with roots in the community. Now the force is
involved in the daily operations of restorative and alternative justice
forums and is a participant in community consultative groups and drug
and alcohol awareness events. Officers partner with local interest
organizations, schools and municipal council to address problems such
as youth gang activity and addictions.
Mr. Speaker, the anniversary event will be a week-long celebration in
August, complete with a pancake breakfast, an historical geocache,
afternoon tea and regimental ball. I invite all members of the
community to come out and celebrate, and I thank the detachment for
all their years of dedicated service. Thank you.