Hon. Marty Klyne: Honourable senators, I rise to pay tribute to Senator Busson, who has exemplified integrity, judgment and collegiality in our chamber of sober second thought. We are blessed to have shared in what is only the most recent chapter in her remarkable story.
In 1974, as a young teacher in Nova Scotia — as has already been covered here — she was driving to work when she heard news on the radio that would change both her life and the history of Canadian policing. The RCMP had announced that women could be accepted in operational roles. She immediately pulled into her local detachment to apply, and they denied it as she walked in. However, one of her future RCMP colleagues came in and said, “Actually, yes, we do. I just heard it on the news myself.”
That young woman was Beverley Busson, who was among the first women to join the RCMP at a time when the organization was still figuring out what that meant. Uniforms included skirts, high heels and pillbox hats, and there were even discussions of women carrying their service revolvers in purses. However, she navigated those early days with the humour, confidence and determination that would become her trademarks.
What is most striking when listening to Senator Busson reflect on those years is that she never dwells on the obstacles she faced or even the barriers she broke. In her telling, she was simply a police officer who wanted to do the job well.
That perspective carried her through an exceptional career. She became the first female commissioned officer, the first woman to command a province and, ultimately, the first female commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I assume that command was in F Division to start, correct? Yes.
It is fitting that her story is preserved at the RCMP Heritage Centre, a majestic building at Depot Division in Regina, where every Mountie is born and over which I had the privilege of presiding. It is a place dedicated to safeguarding the history of one of Canada’s most iconic institutions and is on the path to becoming a national museum, thanks to people like Bev Busson.
Following her retirement from the RCMP, she continued to serve Canada in the Senate, where she’s been a great example for all of us. Here, she has contributed her wisdom around policing, public safety and national security, as well as her profound respect for people, institutions and public service.
We are grateful for her sponsorship of Bill S-12 in 2023 to strengthen Canada’s sex offender registry and to stand up for victims of crime, as well as her leadership of the Busson-Massicotte group on Senate reform.
Senator Busson made many friends in Saskatchewan. Some of them will never be the same. Somehow, she infiltrated the Barber family. That would be Lloyd Barber, previously the president of the University of Saskatchewan, and the iconic family that put a lot of soul into the Regina Beach area. Senator Busson elevated the soul of that place.
Senator Busson, thank you for breaking down barriers, strengthening institutions, mentoring future leaders and inspiring generations of Canadians. We wish you every happiness in the years ahead and offer our deepest gratitude for your service. Never forget that you and I were sworn in on the same day and had our best friend from the RCMP show up. Thank you.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!