Paulette Breau is a retired officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) whose thirty-year law enforcement career (1987-2017) culminated in the rank of sergeant. Her service was marked not only by her commitment to public safety, but by her determination to succeed in a profession historically dominated by men.
After her retirement, Breau turned to writing. Her memoir Never at Ease: Memoir of a Mountie (published in December 2019) recounts her experiences as the only woman in a 40-man RCMP detachment, the challenges she faced-including harassment, sexism, and the difficulties of undercover work-and her perseverance.
Paulette will join us on Oct 22, 2025 and talk about the history of women in the RCMP as well as sharing a few stories so her own career.
Women in Canada’s National Police Force
This presentation explores the history and impact of women in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police from its early days to the present. It begins with matrons and jailers in the Klondike era, moves through pioneers like forensic pathologist Dr. Frances McGill and the groundbreaking female troop of 1974. Milestones include the appointment of women commissioners, service with the United Nations and the changes brought about by the Merlo-Davidson lawsuit.