Wanted to serve her community

Originally from Halifax, Boutilier’s path to the RCMP started with community service. At 17, she joined a local volunteer fire department. A few years later, her mother gave her a book about writing police exams. That nudge — combined with her interest in emergency response — led her to Depot (the RCMP training academy) in Regina and a career of service.

She didn’t want to be labelled or for her personal life and the fact she is gay to impact her career. But her first posting to a tiny, tight-knit rural Saskatchewan town made her realize she had to come out at work.

“I didn’t want to be the ‘gay Mountie’,” she says frankly. “I didn’t want shortcuts or special attention. I just wanted to do my job well. But as time went on, I saw how my visibility made space for others to feel seen and safe. That’s when I realized — this wasn’t just about me.”

Uncomfortable in skirts

When Boutilier graduated from training, the Mountie dress uniform required women to wear skirts, something she never felt comfortable wearing.

It wasn’t until the last decade that policy changed, allowing members of any gender to wear pants and boots.

That change opened doors for her participation in ceremonial duties, and even impacted her wedding.

“When I got married eight years ago, I wore my full uniform — red serge, pants, boots — the way I always wanted to. It felt powerful to be seen as myself, without compromising.”

The face of an important anniversary

This year, Boutilier became part of a national campaign that celebrated 50 years of women in the RCMP.

When Boutilier was approached to be part of the campaign, she saw it as an opportunity to be an advocate and make real change for others. She recognizes the hardships of all the 2SLGBTQI+ individuals who came before her. They had to sacrifice so that she and others could stand proud in their organization and not be afraid to be who they really are.

“It’s about taking down barriers and sharing stories. Let them know that you're an ally or someone they can trust, you're part of the community. We represent the population with police and that includes, you know, the queer community.”

As part of the campaign, Boutilier’s face was featured on banners in Charlottetown, PE. The photo, which was also included in a National Police Federation publication, has made her something of a local icon — a reality she finds both surreal and important.

“It’s weird to see yourself up there,” she laughs. “But if it helps someone feel seen, or realize they belong — then I’m proud to be that face.”

Boutilier recently attended a healing circle as part of the 2SLGBTQI+ forum with Veterans and other members of the public service, an experience she called a privilege.

“Being a serving member and sitting among Veterans — hearing their stories, their wisdom — that’s a gift. I want to take what I learn in spaces like that and bring it to my workplace. Create safe spaces. Be a better leader.”

Her leadership has already had ripple effects.

The ripple of leadership

Colleagues — and even strangers — have confided in her that they didn’t feel safe to come out until they saw her living authentically.

“One member told me, ‘My kid is trans, and I didn’t know how to talk about that at work until I saw you being you.’ That really stayed with me.”

She credits the RCMP’s growing inclusivity with much of her positive experience, but acknowledges that the road wasn’t always smooth — especially early in her career, when assumptions and awkward questions were the norm.

“People would ask about my ‘husband,’ or try to set me up with their sons. There were a lot of assumptions.”

Now, she sees those moments as teachable — chances to build understanding, foster allyship, and challenge outdated norms.

Now, when people ask her about her husband she just replies “not my husband, my wife” and most don’t bat an eye, she says.

Reflecting the communities they serve

“We need to reflect the communities we serve — in gender, culture, sexuality — all of it. When people see someone like them in uniform, they feel safer. They trust more. That matters.”

She was recently promoted from Sergeant to Inspector and is now the officer in charge of Human Resources for Depot Division.

Focused on ongoing advocacy, Inspector Boutilier isn’t done making change.

“I just want to make sure that when someone like me joins this organization — or comes to us for help — they know they belong. That they’re safe. That there’s a place for them.”

If you are a Veteran impacted by the LGBT Purge or want to learn more about advocacy, recognition, and community support, visit rainbowveterans.ca.

With courage, integrity and loyalty, Jillian Boutilier is leaving her mark. She is a Royal Canadian Mounted Police member. Discover more stories.