Interestingly I have always thought of Canada as being a forward thinking country in terms of women and rights – seemingly not. A very interesting response written by my Canadian cousin – Veena Hayer – to the statement set forth below.

Women in wrong line of work www.langleyadvance.com.  The problem with women in the RCMP is the women in the RCMP. There shouldn’t be any.

So I was angered after reading this individual’s letter to the editor (see link). I have sent in my reply letter to the newspaper, but if it doesn’t get posted, here it is: This letter is in response to James Charles, ‘Women in wrong line of work”. Firstly, it is not ‘political correctness’ to have females in the force. Mr. Charles’ comment is so blantely ignorant, that is likely why it was printed—to get a reaction. Well yes, I have a very strong reaction. The women who serve and protect everyday, just like their male counterparts, are in fact skilled, physically strong, tactical, and committed to keeping our communities safe. ALL recruits must pass a medical exams, including physical, dental, hearing, vision, psychological and laboratory tests required by RCMP. Common sense alone, would tell you that if police officers are hired on their rigorously tested merit, the women who meet these high standards have every right to be a part of the police force, and it is for our benefit that they are. It is unfortunate Mr. Charles that you may feel intimidated or insecure about the fact that woman hold positions of authority, not only in policing or the military, but also as Directors, Scholars, Lawyers and Doctors (to name a few). But get use to it, Stats Canada 2011 reports that the proportion of female officers is 20%, and the number is steadily rising, particularly in your home province of BC. Women who hold the rank of Constable has grown to 22% as well. Let me re-iterate, this is not political correctness, this is accomplished members of our community doing valuable work….let me take this moment to thank both our male and female police officers in the force.