Support for 'RCMP Day'

Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster will deliver a box full of signatures to the legislature calling for the establishment of RCMP Appreciation Day in B.C.

Foster was joined by local and federal politicians outside Vernon City Hall, Thursday, along with the creators of the petition – and of course, police officers.

The initiative was spearheaded in Vernon by friends Martin Von Holst, Guy Bailey and Andy Wylie.

So far, it has 1,000 signatures across the North Okanagan and has been endorsed by Vernon city council as well as Foster and Vernon MP Mel Arnold.

At the beginning of the month, the petition email was sent out to all 85 B.C. MLAs and 40 MPs as well as to 101 city, town and village councils.

Von Holst noted Manitoba is the only province to recognize the day, on Feb. 1.

"We all have family members or friends who have been involved with the RCMP," said Von Holst, "and we have had positive feedback across B.C."

"It's gotta start somewhere," said Bailey.

You can show your support on the RCMP Appreciation Day Facebook page.

"It's nice!" Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett said of the attention towards the force.

"It's nice that we have champions out there ... it goes so far in morale for all of our officers."

For more information, email [email protected].