The province is marking the rich history and hard work of Canada's national police force.

February 1st is Royal Canadian Mounted Police Day in Manitoba.

The commemorative day was established in 2017 through a private members bill brought forward by Emerson MLA Cliff Graydon.

"They put their lives on the line for us every day and have done so ever since their beginning when they brought law and order to western Canada," said Graydon. "We all recognize that when they leave home for work they don't know how the day will unfold. There are no guarantees for them and their safety, so it's time that we recognize what they do for us."

The RCMP was first established in 1873 to bring law and order to western Canada and started out at historic Fort Dufferin near Emerson, which happens to be in Graydon's riding.

"That was part of the motivation for establishing the commemorative day, because they started in my constituency, but at the same time I wanted a day that would recognize the good work they do in providing security to our communities."

Manitoba is the only province that recognizes February 1 as RCMP Day in Canada.

"I'm actually a bit disappointed that other provinces haven't taken the initiative to do the same," he said. "They put themselves in harms way in so many situations every day."