For the first time in Canadian history, hundreds of women in policing gathered in one Vancouver conference room to support each other and discuss issues they’re facing.
The , held March 2-4, stemmed from an idea between a handful of women in law enforcement. It took two years of work for it to come together.
Vancouver Police Department Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson said the event's theme was "widening the path" — talking not only about the trailblazers but ensuring there’s room for women coming into the profession. The goal: create an environment that's more inclusive, supportive and empowering for all women in law enforcement.
British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police sponsored the three-day event. It was held at the Westin Bayshore where nearly 500 people from coast to coast attended.
"As a woman who's been in law enforcement for the last almost 27 years, I have so often had the experience over the years of being the only woman in a room or on a team or in a district, and to walk into a room that is mostly women and have a common understanding and common goals with respect to our profession, has been really special,” said Wilson.
Insp. Veronica Fox from Coquitlam RCMP helped plan the conference. She noted this was the first gathering of women in policing and that having such an event is important.
“We're only 30 or so per cent of the police force across Canada and especially when you start talking about leadership, we drop down to about 17 per cent of sworn officers that are of the rank of inspector or higher,” she said.
She hopes the conference will encourage other women to consider a career in policing.
Fox added the event connected people who might not have met otherwise.
"I have actually identified certain people that can help me with things I'm wrestling with or working with at my detachment, so I'll be engaging with them after this conference,” said Fox.
For Wilson, seeing those connections continue long after the conference is over is key.
"I think what was really a takeaway moment for me is the number of women from across North America who have come up to me during this conference, and said it is one of the best events they have been to in their career," she said.
