O.484  ·  Commissioner Maurice J. Nadon O.484  ·  Commissaire Maurice J. Nadon

Maurice Jean Nadon was born on July 8, 1920 in the small Ontario town of Mattawa. After completing high school, Commissioner Nadon joined the RCMP in the early 1940’s — these were times of war — Canada had entered into the world conflict in 1939.

But, Maurice Nadon’s life was not built on clash or quarrels. Although he spent the greater portion of his career in RCMP attire, his social and professional life and his personality were all grounded in compassion, gentleness and peace.

Maurice Nadon’s early years in the RCMP were spent in criminal investigations and he was reputed to be an honest, compassionate, hard working and forthright police officer. He had a great memory and he was at ease as an effective speaker standing in front of small or large groups of people. He could easily recall anecdotes about his times in the Force, his police experiences, or about various people whom he had met throughout his travels. His early start in life was modest and he never forgot his origins. He easily made friends and he deeply cherished them.

Commissioner Nadon received his Commission to Inspector in 1958, and over the years his postings took him to Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa, Toronto and finally to ‘HQ’ in Ottawa. His travels gave Commissioner Nadon a broad view of Canadian policing and it was not too surprising that he was groomed for the RCMP’s top post.

During the early 1970’s and prior to being named to the top post of the RCMP, Maurice Nadon was the Deputy Commissioner In Charge of Police Operations.

It was at this particular time in the Force’s history that the Canadian Police Information System (CPIC) made its debut. CPIC gave police agencies all across Canada immediate access to criminal files, wanted persons, stolen cars, stolen property and the like.

Police officers on the street and in their cruisers soon realized the valuable nature of CPIC. To a large part, credit has to be given to Maurice Nadon for his forward thinking and the need for CPIC. CPIC has remained as much of a valuable tool to police officers as fingerprinting.

Maurice Nadon served as Acting Commissioner from December 29, 1973 to December 31, 1973, and he was appointed Commissioner of the RCMP on January 1, 1974. Interestingly, he was the first and only French Canadian Commissioner of the RCMP.

During his years in office, Commissioner Nadon came under severe criticism in the media for the Force’s alleged targeting of politicians both in New Brunswick and in Ottawa. As well, no less blame was placed on the RCMP’s Security Service for failing to prevent the FLQ Crisis in Quebec.

In spite of some push back, Maurice Nadon set realistic and visionary priorities for the Force. First, he stepped up efforts against organized crime — loan sharking, protection rackets and drug trafficking. He identified, introduced and supported the hiring of female members into the Force, he encouraged married personnel into the ranks, and he led police operations through the Montreal Olympics in 1976.

There is little doubt that Commissioner Nadon was held in high esteem. Over his career, he earned three Commanding Officer’s (CO’s) Commendations. As well, the RCMP commissioned one of its Police Vessels (PV) The Nadon and the new RCMP Ottawa Headquarters was named the M. J. Nadon Government of Canada Building in his honour.

Commissioner Nadon might easily have been overlooked in a crowd due to his quiet and soft spoken disposition. But, it would be a huge mistake to underestimate him. His highest regard was reserved for the constable on the street.

It is also interesting to note how all the things for which Commissioner Nadon is remembered are also the innovations which have made the RCMP a far better organization than yesteryear.

All in all, Commissioner Nadon was a remarkable, thoughtful, creative and kind person. He was a true Canadian police officer.

Commissioner Maurice J. Nadon died in Pembroke, Ontario on December 21, 2009. His family was with him. Commissioner Nadon’s wife Madeline predeceased him in 1997. They are both buried at the RCMP Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood, Ottawa.

Commissioner Maurice J. Nadon is remembered fondly.

Reporting from Fort Healy,

J. J. Healy
June 23, 2017