With the possible exceptions of maple syrup and ice hockey, nothing symbolizes Canada quite like “mounties”, the police officers who patrol on horseback Canada’s rugged frontiers, and historically wore scarlet tunics, riding boots, and flat-brimmed campaign hats.
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While the Mounties themselves were informed of the new policy at the start of this year, it was only formally unveiled by the Ottawa government this week.
The force was formed as the North-West Mounted Police in 1893 and aptly named because members patrolled Canada’s north and west.
That debate has been raging in Europe, where Germany recently proposed a burka ban for schools, universities and public workers and France has banned “burkinis” – swimsuits that cover the entire body – from French beaches and pools.
Encouraging diversity appears to be a significant part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau domestic policy. “In Canada, can we speak of acceptance, openness, friendship, understanding? It is about where we are going and what we are going through every day in our diverse and rich communities”, he was cited as saying by AFP.
The change in uniform policy comes almost 26 years after the RCMP approved the turban as part of the uniform for Sikh officers after Baltej Singh Dhillon, an aspiring Mountie, took the force to court in 1990.
The hijab is not the first religious or cultural garment approved for RCMP officers. There have as yet been no women stepping forward to take advantage of the hijab provision.
Three types of hijabs were tested before one was selected as suitable for police work, according to correspondence between Goodale and RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson published in a local newspaper.
The decision was approved by the RCMP commissioner and confirmed in a statement from a spokesman for the Public Safety Minister, Ralph Goodale.
The RCMP has struggled to attract women to its ranks.
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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have given official permission to female officers to wear hijabs along with their famous British-style red uniforms in hopes that the stunning measure will boost recruitment of Muslim women and promote diversity. They can also be seen worn by female police officers in London, Sweden and Norway.
