Frances Leigh Saltzman

Divisions Served: “O”

Brick Location: This brick has not yet been mounted onto the Pillars, but is on display in the Centre in the interim.

Story: 

I was born and raised in Montreal.  My first job was with Bank of Montreal, in Montreal. I was asked to take a temporary transfer to Toronto, to assist in the inception of MasterCard.  While working with the fraud department of MasterCard I had the opportunity to meet and work with RCMP officers on a major investigation.  The officers mentioned that the RCMP was now accepting women and they suggested I apply.

I was in the second all female troop (Troop 36 74/75).

After graduating Depot, I was stationed in “O” Division where I did all my service.

After almost nine years serving as a regular member, I left the Force to pursue other interests.  I kept my strong attachment to the Force and joined the Veterans Association. After serving 8 years on the Executive, I was elected President in 2001. I am proud to say, I was the first female President of RCMPVA.

My investigative background and expertise afforded me the opportunity to work as an interviewer with Steven Spielberg’s “Survivors of the Shoah.”
I interviewed in excess of 125 Holocaust survivors across Canada.

In 1995 I returned to the RCMP in a civilian capacity. I did background investigations and worked as a recruiter/interviewer in Toronto. I fully retired in 2019.

The women in my Troop, along with members with whom I have worked over the years, have become lifelong friends. These relationships are unique and empowering.

I am proud to have served as one of Canada’s first female officers.  The members with whom I served are truly Pillars of the Force.