OTTAWA: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has hired Sheila Bird in the newly created role of executive director, public affairs, in an attempt to help improve its image.

According to an internal memo from Commissioner William J.S. Elliott, Bird will “lead the development and implementation of initiatives to better inform the public as well as RCMP employees, our partners and our stakeholders about RCMP policies.” She will also be responsible for the RCMP's Access to Information and Privacy program. ...