Order of Merit of the Police Forces Investiture Ceremony

The Governor General presided over an Order of Merit of the Police Forces investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall and bestowed the honour on 49 members and employees of Canadian police forces.

His Excellency presented the Order at the Commander level to Chief Constable James Chu, C.O.M., of the Vancouver Police Department, British Columbia. This is a promotion within the Order.

On this occasion, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson, also delivered a speech.

"Those of you who are being invested into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces do much more than simply fight crime," said the Governor General. "You also play the positive role of community builder, working to create a sense of trust, inclusion and security among those you serve."

His Excellency presented the Order at the Member level to Patrol Sergeant Edith Turner, M.O.M., of the Winnipeg Police Service, Manitoba.

His Excellency presented the Order at the Member level to Dr. Verona Singer, M.O.M., of the Halifax Regional Police, Nova Scotia.

His Excellency presented the Order at the Member level to Assistant Commissioner Pierre Perron, M.O.M., of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ottawa, Ontario.

His Excellency presented the Order at the Member level to Staff Sergeant Isobel Granger, M.O.M., of the Ottawa Police Service, Ontario.

His Excellency presented the Order at the Member level to Chief Albert Frederick, M.O.M., of the Windsor Police Service, Ontario.

His Excellency presented the Order at the Member level to Chief Richard Bourassa, M.O.M., of the Moose Jaw Police Service, Saskatchewan.

His Excellency presented the Order at the Officer level to Assistant Commissioner Tracy Hardy, O.O.M., of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

His Excellency presented the Order at the Officer level to Deputy Chief Roger Chaffin, O.O.M., of the Calgary Police Service, Alberta.

The Order of Merit of the Police Forces was created in 2000, to recognize conspicuous merit and exceptional service by members and employees of Canadian police forces whose contributions extend beyond protection of the community. Three levels of membership with post-nominal letters reflect long-term, outstanding service: Commander (C.O.M.), Officer (O.O.M.) and Member (M.O.M.).