Sunshine Coast RCMP are now part of Project Rainbow, a national initiative created by Cpl. Brendan Harkness.
Harkness, an RCMP officer since 2008, started working on the idea two years ago while serving as detachment commander in Hudson Hope, B.C.
According to an RCMP profile of Harkness, released as Project Rainbow began rolling out on Oct. 15, he was looking for a simple way to demonstrate that the RCMP is as inclusive and diverse as the communities it serves.
“Project Rainbow is a way to demonstrate to the public, and to our employees, that we are inclusive and everyone is welcomed,” said Harkness. “My job is policing, that’s what I joined this organization to do, and … showing up visibly as an openly out LGBTQ member has shown my integrity in my job and in me wanting to show up for the people I work with.”
In a release announcing it was joining the initiative, Sunshine Coast RCMP said they are “a proud supporter of the LGBTQ2S+ community on the Sunshine Coast.”
A pride flag sticker and declaration are now on display at the Gibsons and Sechelt detachments offices. The declaration says:
“We can be approached without judgement
“You can feel safe speaking to us.
“This is a show of support for diversity and inclusion.
“We seek to create a positive and safe space for everyone.
“We embrace the diversity of the population.
“We are Canada’s national police: serving with pride.”
“The public should feel supported by Canada’s national police service and the Sunshine Coast RCMP will continue to support people who are openly of the LGBTQ2S+ community,” said Staff Sgt. Poppy Hallam.
“Everyone should have the right to live their lives free of discrimination and hatred.”
