RCMP’s iconic Musical Ride threatened by low morale, staffing issues: audit
The RCMP’s iconic Musical Ride program is foundering as an internal audit found pervasive low morale and worsening staffing issues are putting the iconic unit’s sustainability at risk
OTTAWA — The RCMP’s iconic Musical Ride is foundering, according to an internal audit that found pervasive low morale and worsening staffing issues are putting the beloved unit’s sustainability at risk.
With its quintessential riders in red serge atop black horses performing in elaborate formation, the RCMP Musical Ride has become an iconic representation of Canada.
But behind the photogenic performers and intricate choreographies lie recruitment and morale issues that threaten the program’s very survival, according to the internal audit report completed in December and recently released online.
“The sustainability of the Musical Ride is at risk, as divisions are not releasing a sufficient number of members on an annual basis to ensure its effective and efficient operation,” says the report, which was first obtained via an access to information request by independent journalist Dean Beeby.
“The mental and physical well-being of Musical Ride members has suffered in recent years and is contributing to low morale. Evidence suggests this is a pervasive issue which requires attention from management,” auditors also noted.
Management is now saddled with the task of saving the program. The same management that is responsible for this mess is expected to save it?
The Peter Principle is a concept in management that observes how people in a hierarchy tend to rise to “a level of respective incompetence.”