Future looks bright for youth who attended RCMP Engagement Week

OTTAWA, March 29, 2019 /CNW/ - This week, 31 high school students from across Canada spent a week training like a Mountie at the RCMP Academy, "Depot" Division in Regina, Saskatchewan, as part of the RCMP's third National Youth Engagement Week.

The students were immersed in the life of an RCMP cadet, eating and sleeping on site, trying their hand at the RCMP's driving and shooting simulators, and learning about how to apply the law in different police scenarios. They also jumped through the rigorous hoops of cadet physical training, self-defense and drill.

Grade 12 students from across Canada spent a week at the RCMP Academy, “Depot” Division in Regina, Saskatchewan, as part of the RCMP’s third National Youth Engagement Week. (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mounted Police)

During their downtime, the teens got a full tour of Depot and learned about the history of the RCMP at the RCMP Heritage Centre.

"This week has felt like my dreams come true, which only makes me want to work harder to someday reach the dream of attending here [Depot] as a cadet." says Erin, a student from Quispamsis, New Brunswick.

The teens were selected from provinces and territories across Canada based on a number of criteria, including academic achievement, community engagement and a demonstrated interest in law enforcement.

"It was truly a pleasure to spend time with such a great group of teens during National Youth Engagement Week," says Staff Sergeant Mario Cournoyer of the RCMP's Heritage & Ceremonial Section. "They were motivated, enthusiastic and eager to learn — the ideal candidates for recruitment. We hope by experiencing what it's like to train like a Mountie, they'll seriously consider a career in policing with the RCMP."

Quick Facts

• Engaging with youth is one of the RCMP's ongoing priorities.
• The RCMP strives to get involved with youth from an early age, to give them positive learning experiences and interactions with police officers.
• Through this experience, youth will gain skills and knowledge they can use to become active partners in helping keep Canadian communities safe.

National Youth Engagement Week participants:

• British Columbia: Amteshwar (Surrey), Jakob (Kelowna), Kaitlyn (Surrey), Preston (Courtenay), Ethan (Victoria), and Braden (Burns Lake)
• Alberta: Aiden (Springbrook), Sam (Red Deer), Ryen (Red Deer County), and Tehya (Canmore)
• Saskatchewan: Mykel (Manor), Tucker (Carlyle), Erin (Waldeck), and Real (Vanscoy)
• Manitoba: Dennita (Thompson), Kelsey (Winnipeg), and Jacob (Killarney)
• Ontario: Mekenzie (Delaware), Jordan (Barrie), and Jacob (Ottawa)
• Quebec : Sofia (Lasalle), Karyl (Saint-Sauveur), and Qullik (Kangiqsujuaq)
• New Brunswick: Erin (Quispamsis) and Sarah (Saint John)
• Prince Edward Island: AJ (Kensington)
• Nova Scotia: Kade (Liverpool) and Ross (Inverness)
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Noah (Noels Pond)
• Northwest Territories: Mathieu (Yellowknife)
• Yukon: Etienne (Whitehorse)

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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