Distinguished Canadian Annual Address Fall 2001

Giuliano Zaccardelli

Commissioner

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Policing in the Canada/U.S. Context and Beyond

Born in Prezza, Italy, Giuliano Zaccardelli moved to Canada with his family at the age of 7 and lived in Montreal (primarily St. Léonard) until he joined the RCMP in 1970. Following recruit training at "Depot" Division in Regina, Sask., he was posted to Alberta. He was transferred to the Toronto Commercial Crime Section in 1974, and then in 1981 to Calgary Commercial Crime Section.  

Commissioner Zaccardelli was commissioned in 1986 and served at RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa as the Officer in Charge (OIC), Immigration and Passport Branch. Subsequently, he was promoted to Superintendent in 1989 and appointed OIC of Criminal Operations in New Brunswick; he became a Chief Superintendent in 1993 and was appointed OIC of Criminal Operations in Quebec; promoted to Assistant Commissioner in 1995 and appointed as the Commanding Officer of RCMP Operations in Ontario. In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner, responsible for National Headquarters.  

In August 1999, Commissioner Zaccardelli assumed the then newly-created position of Deputy Commissioner, Organized Crime and Operational Policy. This position was established to ensure a clearer focus and coordination of RCMP resources at the national and international level to better respond to the changing nature of organized crime.  

Giuliano Zaccardelli was installed as the 20th Commissioner of the RCMP on Sept. 2, 2000.