E43 Senator Bev Busson

We had the incredible honor of speaking with Senator Bev Busson, Senator representing British Columbia. She is a Commander of the Order of Merit of Police Forces, a recipient of the Vice Chief of Defence Staff Commendation, the Order of British Columbia, and a Member of the Order of Canada, among countless other awards and distinctions. Our conversation began with her remarkable journey into the RCMP, from being part of the first ever cohort of women RCMP officers to becoming the first female commissioned officer in Canada, and how she navigated unprecedented challenges. Continuing on the topic of the RCMP, we discussed the structural factors behind current officer shortages and potential solutions to address ongoing recruitment challenges. We then transitioned to defence, where, drawing on her experience as a former advisor to the Government on National Security, she shared her thoughts on Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, including the 2 percent GDP defence spending target, partnerships with Indigenous communities to protect Arctic sovereignty, and efforts to strengthen domestic defence production. Building on her experience as a trailblazer and one of the first women in many roles, we explored strategies to increase women’s representation in elected office and support their long-term success. Lastly, we explored the role of youth in today’s democracy, including the importance of integrating sustained civic education early on. Stay until the end to find out, after living and working across Canada, which province Senator Busson would choose to call home for the rest of her life!