Sukhmandip Delta, British Columbia

Fair address: Delta Regional Heritage Fair

Project: R.C.M.P.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is the National Police Force of Canada.The RCMP is unique as it provides federal, provincial, and municipal policing services. In order for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to be in the honourable position it currently obtains, its members endured various challenges in order to be accepted.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I have learned through accumulating information on my topic has to be the impact Sikhism has had on the RCMP. Sikhs who desired to be members of the National Police Force were prohibited from the force due to their religious requirements. Sikhs met the entrance requirements, however, the dress code kept them off the force as a turban was not an acceptable alternative for the standard peaked cap or Stetson. However, as time progressed the difficulties and challenges encountered by Sikhs had influenced laws against religious obligations in Canada.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

The RCMP have taught me various lessons that I consider important and influential. The RCMP has taught me to fight for my rights and stand up for what I believe in. Many of those who applied to the force encountered various challenges due to their gender and religion. They were denied eligibility to be members of the force, but with perseverance continued to fight for their rights until they were permitted onto the force.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

I live in a civilized society where I am aware of the consequences of disobeying the law. The laws that were commenced by the North West Mounted Police have continually been revised to suit current offences. However, those who wanted to play a critical role in law enforcement were discriminated against their religion and gender. This restriction resulted in the applicants being unqualified for the job. Today, we are granted equality, acceptance, as well as to not be discriminated against religion or race. These are the characteristics in a multicultural community that were not present when many applied to be among Canada’s National Police Force. Law enforcement has had a major impact on Canadians as it has created boundaries for people to beware of, ensured safety of all citizens, and developed laws that possess equality and acceptance. The enforcement of these laws have contributed to the diverse & multicultural communities we live in today.