Ottawa appoints Michael Duheme as new RCMP commissioner

The federal government has appointed Michael Duheme as the new commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Duhemeinitially was appointed to the role on an interim basis following the retirement of his predecessor, Brenda Lucki, last year.

«I am confident that [Duheme's] continued leadership will bring about positive change and help uphold the highest standards of professionalism within the RCMP,» Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a press release.

Prior to Lucki's retirement, Duheme served as the Mounties' deputy commissioner of federal policing.

Originally from Chambly, Que., Duheme started his career as a general duty investigator in Nova Scotia and has served stints as an officer with RCMP's Emergency Response Team, a member of the Kosovo peacekeeping mission, a VIP personal protection officer, the first director of the Parliamentary Protective Service and commanding officer of National Division in Ottawa.

Duheme has spent time in the public spotlight, including earlier this month at the federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference. He also accompanied Lucki to the Emergencies Act inquiry in the fall of 2022.