25 Canadian Women deserving of recognition under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325

This is an opportunity to reflect on the work that so many dedicated individuals have done to raise awareness of war and violence's disproportionate effects on women and girls. Also, to seek their inclusion in all aspects of a more just and peaceful world.

As a former Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and now a Senior Security Associate at Samuel Associates in Ottawa, I have been both fortunate and privileged to see first-hand how Canadian women have helped contribute to the goals of Resolution 1325 in Canada and abroad. While many milestones have been reached, there is still much work to be done.

As we collectively advance the goals of Resolution 1325, I would like to recognize 25 Canadian women I have met and worked with over the years who have contributed to making the Women, Peace and Security agenda a reality. They include:

1. Deputy Commissioner (RCMP) Jennifer Strachan, for her service as a UN Peacekeeper in Haiti.
2. Sgt. Tracy Coughlin (Ontario Provincial Police) for her service as a UN Peacekeeper in South Sudan and her continued support for the Confident Children out of Conflict project.
3. Commissioner (RCMP) Brenda Lucki for her service in the former Yugoslavia as a peacekeeper.
4. Sgt. Cathy Melanson (RCMP) In memoriam, for her service as part of Canada's first police contingent to UN Policing in Namibia.
5. Kate White (United Nations Association) for her many years as Director of UNA and staunch support for Canadian women in peacekeeping.
6. Chantale Walker (Global Affairs Canada) for her efforts in supporting and promoting gender equality.
7. Supt. Kelly Bradshaw (RCMP) for her service as a UN peacekeeper in Mali.
8. Cpl. Bailey Gilarowski (RCMP) for her service in Cambodia and dedication to victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
9. A/Commr (Ret'd) Tracy Hardy (RCMP) for raising awareness on femicide in South America and for her support to women police in Ukraine.
10. Judge Kim Prost  for her support to ensuring justice for all throughout her career and now as a Judge on the International Criminal Court.
11. Deputy Chief Line Carbonneau (Service de police de la Ville de Montréal) for helping to shape and influence a generation of Canadian Women Police Officers.
12. Insp. Isobel Granger (Ottawa Police Service), for her determination to succeed in Zimbabwe and Canada in the law enforcement community.
13. A/Commr (Ret'd) Shirley Cuillierrier (RCMP) for sharing her Mohawk roots and culture to shape and influence the RCMP and as Senior Advisor to the Minister of Public Safety on Human Trafficking.
14. Judge (Ret'd) Claire L'Heureux Dube for her lifelong dedication to seeking justice and helping influence the legal profession both in Canada and abroad and as the second woman to ascend to the Supreme Court of Canada.
15. D/Chief (Ret'd) Sue O'Sullivan (OPS) for her steadfast support of victims of crime as federal ombudswoman of Canada.
16. ADM Elissa Goldberg (GAC) for her service in Afghanistan and support to Peace Operations.
17. Chief Supt. Maureen Levy (RCMP) for her service in Iraq.
18. Tonita Murray for her steadfast commitment to the people of Afghanistan and years of work to raise the voices of Afghan women.
19. Lt. Col (Ret'd) Anne Reiffenstein (Canadian Armed Forces) for her pioneering footsteps that paved the way for so many others and her positive influence in developing capable leaders who continue to shape the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
20. Col. Karen Ritchie (CAF) In memoriam, for her incredible legacy and her ability to effect positive change.
21. Sgt. (Ret'd) Julie Faucher (RCMP) for serving on four United Nations Peacekeeping missions.
22. Senator Gwen Boniface for her leadership and commitment to policing both as the Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police and with the United Nations Police Division.
23. Dr. Ann Livingstone, In memoriam, for her contributions at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre as a staunch advocate for access to justice for women and children.
24. Alexandra Gwyer (RCMP) for her contributions to Canada's WPS action plan for police and efforts to enable others to make a difference on the ground.
25. Senator and former Commissioner of the RCMP, Bev Busson, for taking so many first steps and being a role model for women's empowerment in effecting change.

The women above have blazed a trail for peace and security by honouring Resolution 1325 in their careers and lives. They have constructed the framework for the next generation of young Canadian women to be more than well equipped to take up the future challenge. I look forward to witnessing the fruits of their labour and seeing the achievements made in peace and security that follow.