When it comes to combating impaired driving and enhancing road safety, collaboration is the name of the game. MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and the RCMP exemplify this principle through their long-standing partnership. Together, they tackle one of our most pressing safety issues: impaired driving.
This partnership combines MADD Canada’s tireless advocacy and public education efforts with the RCMP’s community interaction expertise and law enforcement powers, creating a dynamic force for change.
A Shared Mission: Road Safety and Public Awareness
MADD Canada’s CEO, Mr. Steve Sullivan, brings a deep commitment to the cause. With a background in victim services and a personal dedication shaped by years of supporting those affected by impaired driving, he champions initiatives that make Canadian roads safer. Since becoming CEO in 2022, he has amplified the organization’s collaborative efforts with law enforcement, particularly the RCMP.
This partnership operates on two key fronts. At the local level, the RCMP supports MADD Canada’s initiatives by conducting sobriety checkpoints, participating in public awareness events, and connecting with communities. Nationally, they work together to analyze impaired driving trends, including the rising challenges of drug-impaired driving. This data-driven approach helps shape targeted strategies to address evolving issues.
Key Initiatives Born from Collaboration
MADD Canada and the RCMP collaborate on impactful campaigns and initiatives designed to prevent impaired driving and recognize those working on the front lines. Some highlights include:
Campaign 911
A nationwide initiative encouraging the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. This program empowers citizens to take an active role in road safety, with countless lives potentially saved by timely intervention.
Project Red Ribbon
Held annually from November 1st to the first week of January, this campaign raises awareness about impaired driving during the holiday season with volunteers and RCMP Members distributing red ribbons and car decals as symbols of commitment to sober driving.
Constable Heidi Stevenson’s Watch Award
This award honours officers in Nova Scotia for their efforts to remove impaired drivers from the roads, celebrating the legacy of RCMP Cst. Heidi Stevenson, whose dedication to road safety left an indelible mark. Gold Coin Awards are presented to officers who removed 24 or more impaired drivers. Silver Coin Awards are presented to officers who removed 15 to 23 impaired drivers. Those who have removed between 6 and 14 impaired drivers off the roads receive the Bronze recipient awards and they are recognized with a special Certificate of Appreciation at their local detachments.
Team Nick Coates Awards
Recognizing RCMP and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers who excel in detecting and removing impaired drivers, this initiative underscores the critical role of law enforcement in preventing tragedies. Officers who have taken a minimum of 12 impaired drivers off the roads during the previous year receive the Gold Award. Those who have taken at least 8 impaired drivers off the roads during the previous year are awarded the Silver Award. Officers also receive certificates and special challenge coins.
MADD Canada Van de Vorst Awards
These awards recognize Saskatchewan police officers who have played a critical role in keeping the province’s roads safe from impaired drivers. Officers who charged between 8 and 16 impaired drivers in the last calendar year are awarded the Silver Challenge Coin and a certificate of recognition. Those who have charged 17 or more impaired drivers receive the Gold Coin Award and a certificate of recognition. The Platinum Award is awarded to officers who have removed 40 or more impaired drivers from the roads.
While these initiatives are a few examples of the great work being done, we know there are many more similar efforts across the country. This list is not exhaustive, and we encourage our readers to share other impactful programs or initiatives they may be aware of. By continuing to collaborate and share our efforts, we can amplify our collective impact and further support the important work being done to prevent impaired driving.
The Human Impact
Behind every statistic and campaign is a story of lives changed or saved. As just one example, an RCMP officer, inspired by the loss of her father to an impaired driver, now trains others to tackle impaired driving—a testament to the personal and professional stakes involved.
At the community level, the collaboration between MADD Canada and the RCMP fosters mutual respect and support. For local MADD Canada Chapters, many of which are driven by individuals directly affected by impaired driving, the partnership with the RCMP is a source of validation and encouragement.
MADD Canada’s police awards ceremonies are also particularly poignant events, often attended by the families of recipients. These annual awards not only celebrate officers’ dedication but also offer a glimpse into the profound ripple effects of their work.
Looking Ahead
MADD Canada and the RCMP aim to deepen their collaboration in the years to come. Plans include expanding recognition programs to every province and territory, enhancing public education efforts, and exploring technological advancements, such as vehicle impairment detection systems, to make impaired driving prevention more effective.
The partnership also emphasizes the importance of cultural change as Canadians are encouraged to do their part to avoid impaired driving and help identifying and combatting impaired driving. Public service announcements, social media campaigns, and school programs are important tools that help underscore the consequences of impaired driving and the collective responsibility to prevent it, but everyone has a role to play in ensuring safe roadways.
How You Can Help
Impaired driving affects everyone. Each life lost or changed forever by a preventable crash is a stark reminder of the stakes. Our Members would say the number one way to prevent this is to never get behind the wheel when impaired. MADD Canada also has several other tips to help support their mission, including:
- Always plan ahead so you know how you are getting home safely. Encourage friends and family to make safe choices, such as designating a sober driver or using alternative transportation.
- Never drive a car, boat, ATV or any other vehicle while impaired;
- Never get into a vehicle being operated by someone who’s impaired;
- Report Impaired Drivers: Call 911 if you suspect someone is driving impaired. Your vigilance could save lives;
- Volunteer: Join local MADD Canada Chapters to support campaigns and spread awareness;
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between MADD Canada and the RCMP demonstrates what is possible when organizations unite for a common purpose. Together, they are making Canadian roads safer and fostering a cultural shift toward responsibility and accountability.
We can all play a part in preventing impaired driving and ensuring that every journey ends safely. Between our Members, organizations like MADD Canada, and Canadians across the country, let’s drive change, one initiative—and one life saved—at a time.
