There will soon be a change in leadership for the Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP as assistant commissioner Ches Parsons moves to a new leadership role in Ottawa.

Parsons, who has been leading the force in this province for almost three years, will step in as leader of the RCMP’s National Division effective Monday, August 9.

The new role will have him oversee sensitive and international investigations, as well as protective operations.

He says he hopes the new role will provide a new challenge moving forward. Parsons says he was intending to finish his career in Newfoundland and Labrador, but says sometimes plans change.

Reflecting on his time at the helm of local operations, Parsons says a highlight was navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the pandemic started, he says it was a significant challenge as they had to maintain their frontline services while facing a great deal of uncertainty. Parsons says it required an “all hands on deck approach.”

Chief Superintendent Deanna Hill, who is currently the officer in charge of the RCMP’s Criminal Operations for NL will become Acting Commander Officer on Monday.