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 founded in 1873 and was originally known as the Royal Northwest Mounted Police. It later merged in 1920 with the Dominion Police in eastern Canada to become the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The service originally started out on its trek to tame western Canada in the 1870s from 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. "These men and women put themselves in harms way in so many situations every day and it should be recognized."