Justice minister wants answers on removal of Saskatchewan’s top Mountie

Assistant commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, speaks during a news conference in Regina on Thursday, June 6, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards

Saskatchewan’s justice minister says he wants answers on why the RCMP’s commanding officer in the province was abruptly removed.

A spokesperson for Tim McLeod’s office said in a statement Friday the minister has requested Ottawa provide further information and rationale on the decision involving Rhonda Blackmore.

“Minister McLeod has indicated that Rhonda’s removal was surprising and disappointing,” Matthew Glover said.

Glover said the minister initially made the comment in letters this week to constituents concerned about Blackmore’s removal.

In a letter obtained by The Canadian Press, McLeod said the decision came at a time when the province was under a state of emergency fighting wildfires.

“Saskatchewan remains committed to a strong and collaborative relationship with the RCMP and the Government of Canada to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities,” he wrote.

“We believe continued transparency and open dialogue are essential to supporting and sustaining that partnership.”

Blackmore was abruptly out of the job in early June and replaced by an interim commanding officer until a new one could be selected.

Media reports have cited an email from Blackmore saying she was removed due to anonymous complaints against her.

The same day she was relieved of her duties, she was hired as a national assistant commissioner of Indigenous and support services for the RCMP.

McLeod said in the letter that Blackmore was professional and had earned the trust of government, Indigenous leaders, citizens and staff.

She advocated for the well-being of officers, he added.

“(She has) raised critical concerns about the operational pressures faced by RCMP officers across Saskatchewan,” McLeod wrote.

“Her leadership reflects a clear understanding of the province’s unique public safety challenges.”

The federal justice department declined comment, saying questions should go to the RCMP.

Mounties did not immediately provide a response Friday and have previously declined to comment on any complaints about Blackmore.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan and a petition have called on the RCMP to explain Blackmore’s removal and undertake an external review.

Blackmore took command of the Saskatchewan RCMP in April 2021, after serving various posts across Canada for 30 years.

In 2022, she launched the RCMP’s first unit aimed at recruiting Indigenous people to ensure Mounties represent the communities they serve.

She was also the public face of the force after the mass killings on James Smith Cree Nation in 2022.

-This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2025.