She is a decorated veteran within the RCMP. Many members of the service would say Rhonda Blackmore has displayed integrity and leadership, hoping to spark change within the RCMP throughout her 30-year career, not just as an officer, but as the commanding officer of F Division. Blackmore assumed the position as the head of the Saskatchewan RCMP in April of 2021. One of her many career highlights included leading the service through the tragedy at James Smith Cree Nation. Blackmore was front and centre, delivering daily updates as the search for Myles Sanderson intensified. “She was for some of us anyways, I can’t speak for everyone, but our beacon of hope for change. And now that just disappeared very quickly and we still don’t know why,” said Janie Perrault, a retired Staff-Sergeant Major with the Saskatchewan RCMP F Division. On June 3, 2025, Blackmore was removed from her position of commanding officer, due to what she claims are “anonymous complaints” made against her. Her sudden removal has several people searching for answers, including Perrault. The complaints against her have not been made public. “That reason why she’s gone. We don’t clearly know. This is a first for me, this type of removal,” Perrault said. “It’s certainly the first time I’m this aware of it and that I have kept thinking about it and not wanting it to be lost in the news.” Several current members of the RCMP, who wish to remain anonymous, told CTV News that Blackmore was the only member at her rank doing the job for the right reasons. “Not to increase her pension, but to improve the RCMP and support members as members used to be supported. She was the only one that was giving the members hope for a better future. The RCMP is otherwise a sinking ship,” one member said. “She has the basic human and legal right to face her accuser(s). Actions like this cannot be taken on ‘anonymous complaints’ – this is completely unheard of and a blatant attack against her," another officer explained. “She is a threat to anyone wishing to be the Commissioner of the RCMP because she is the only one who has demonstrated the character required and deserves to lead the RCMP,” another officer told CTV News. “This is an attack on her and the future of the RCMP.” Another anonymous member wrote to CTV News and said what Blackmore is going through is incredibly frustrating. “What Rhonda is going through makes me incredibly scared to speak and to continue serving as an RCMP member,” they wrote. ”She is honest and trustworthy. She has proved over and over again she is willing to stand up for police officers and has our backs every step to the way.” The provincial government has also voiced its displeasure with Blackmore’s removal. “[It] took us by surprise. We’ve said quite publicly that we’re disappointed in that decision and looking for answers,” Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. “We were incredibly pleased with the work that she was doing – as a partner for the government and other police agencies across the province.” CTV News reached out to the federal minister of public safety but did not receive a response. An interview was also requested from Blackmore. However, she declined the request, explaining that she is unable to speak on the topic of her removal. She did say, however, she is grateful for everyone’s support during this time. Blackmore has since been named Assistant Commissioner of Indigenous and Support Services for the RCMP. Assistant Commissioner Robin McNeil is serving as the interim commanding officer of F Division until a selection process is completed.
