The Cold War Years

 RCMP: A Century of Control and Controversy — Part 4: The Cold War Years

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

By the mid-20th century, the RCMP had firmly shifted from patrolling the plains to monitoring anyone who might challenge the state. The Cold War brought fear of communism, espionage, and political unrest — and the RCMP’s Security Service was ready to act.

In practice, this meant spying on activists, unions, Indigenous leaders, environmentalists, and even artists. Anyone deemed a “threat” to national security — often simply because they questioned government policy — was under watch. Homes were bugged, letters intercepted, and movements tracked. The line between policing and political oppression blurred.

By the 1970s, multiple scandals revealed abuses of power, illegal surveillance, and even break-ins. The RCMP’s unchecked authority led to the creation of CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) in 1984, separating intelligence from policing. But the damage was done: communities had already learned that questioning authority could bring serious consequences.

Even today, the echoes remain. The RCMP’s history of surveillance and intimidation normalizes overreach. It reinforces a culture where fear is used to control, where dissent is monitored, and where the public is left unsure who truly serves justice.

Meanwhile, the public still sees the uniform, the ceremonial horses, the smiling officers at parades, and assumes the institution is inherently trustworthy. But history reminds us: trust must be earned, not assumed.

The Cold War years also show a pattern that repeats: the RCMP often operates without transparency, prioritizing state power over public protection — a pattern that continues in modern policing scandals, corruption inquiries, and accountability failures.

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Reflection Questions

1. How did Cold War fears justify RCMP overreach and surveillance?
2. What are the lasting impacts of this era on activist, Indigenous, and marginalized communities?
3. How can Canadians ensure that intelligence and policing are transparent and accountable today?

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Mini Quiz

1. What agency was created in 1984 due to RCMP Security Service abuses?
   • A) CSIS ✅
   • B) RCMP Intelligence Division
   • C) Public Safety Canada
2. Who were often targets of RCMP surveillance during the Cold War?
   • A) Foreign spies only
   • B) Activists, unions, Indigenous leaders, and artists ✅
   • C) Only criminals
3. What lesson does the Cold War period of RCMP history teach about authority?
   • A) Authority is always trustworthy
   • B) Power without oversight can lead to abuse ✅
   • C) Uniforms prevent wrongdoing