The federal government has appointed Michael Duheme as the interim commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, taking on this role as the search continues to find a permanent replacement for Brenda Lucki.

Duheme's first day will be tomorrow, as today is Lucki's last day on the job.

The current commissioner announced last month that she would retire after nearly 40 years of service with the force, describing it as a "personal decision."

In a statement, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino announced his interim choice while the search for a permanent leader continues.

On the same subject, Mendicino said: "I have full confidence that his extensive experience in policing across the country and around the world has well prepared him to lead our national police force."

While Lucki publicly announced her departure a month ago, Mendicino has yet to promise more details on the process of selecting the next commissioner "in due course."

Duheme was formerly responsible for the Federal Policing program of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which leads in enforcing federal laws, gathering criminal intelligence, investigating national security matters, and providing security for major events.

He also testified alongside Lucki during the Public Order Emergency Commission (POEC) late last year, where he told the commission that his responsibility throughout the "Freedom Convoy" protests was to ensure Lucki received the correct information to inform deputy ministers and cabinet members, and to coordinate requests for additional resources.

Recently, Duheme addressed members studying foreign interference, stating that the federal police force had not received any "actionable intelligence" that would lead to an investigation regarding claims of Beijing interference.

Also, according to his biography at the RCMP, Duheme has been an RCMP officer for more than 34 years. From Quebec, he began his public service career in Nova Scotia, but also served in a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, was a VIP protection officer, and was a former director of parliamentary protective service.

After taking on the role during the national police force's 150th anniversary celebration, Duheme assumes leadership at a time when serious questions are being raised about the future of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the ongoing work needed to address and reform years of systemic issues.