Black RCMP officer says he was removed from position after raising concerns over training course

Craig Smith, a respected African Nova Scotian RCMP sergeant with nearly three decades of service, found himself at the center of a controversy when he raised concerns about intellectual property rights regarding the anti-racism workshops he had created for the RCMP. The workshops, known as the African Canadian Experience, were developed by Smith over the course of his career and were highly regarded within the organization.

Smith’s journey with the workshops began in 2006 when he published his second book, “You Had Better Be White By 6 a.m.: The African-Canadian Experience in the RCMP.” The research he conducted for this book formed the basis of the earliest version of the workshop, initially called the African Nova Scotian Experience Workshop. Over the years, Smith continued to refine and expand the workshop, eventually leading to the creation of the African Canadian Experience workshop in 2017.

The workshop gained popularity and recognition nationwide, with the federal government expressing interest in making it available to police services across the country. However, when discussions arose about expanding the workshop and potentially using Smith’s material without proper compensation or acknowledgment of his intellectual property rights, tensions began to rise.

Smith, also an author and historian, firmly believed that he deserved to be compensated for the intellectual property he had developed outside of his RCMP duties. He argued that the workshop was created using his own research and expertise, and he should be recognized for his contributions.

However, the RCMP took a different stance, citing that employees do not have intellectual property rights over the content they create as part of their job. This led to a dispute between Smith and his employer, ultimately resulting in his reassignment to a different role within the organization.

Despite the setback, Smith remained committed to his principles and continued to advocate for his rights. He expressed disappointment in how the situation was handled, especially considering the workshop’s impact in providing a platform for racialized members to share their experiences and discuss systemic racism within the RCMP.

As Smith transitioned to his new role in national recruitment, he reflected on the challenges he faced and the importance of standing up for what he believes in. While the dispute over intellectual property rights may have created tension between him and the RCMP, Smith remained steadfast in his commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity within the organization.

In the end, Smith’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances involved in addressing issues of racial discrimination and intellectual property rights within institutions like the RCMP. As he continues to navigate his career and advocate for change, Smith’s experience highlights the importance of integrity, perseverance, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.