Edmonton Police Commission Chair John McDougall issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to announce that I am retiring to Portugal after a 35-year career serving our country as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
“While my time as Chair of the Edmonton Police Commission ends on Dec. 31, 2024, I plan to continue serving Edmontonians for the remainder of my term as a commissioner. As an appointee of the Government of Alberta, I sought approval from the Minister’s Office, and they supported me in this decision.
“I can assure Edmonton that my continued service adheres to all rules regarding my new accommodation, as there are no residency requirements for commissioners appointed by the City of Edmonton or the Government of Alberta. To be clear, residency requirements are not stipulated in the Police Act or the City’s Police Commission Bylaw.
“I have resided in Edmonton, and Alberta, for a very long time and my ties to this community do not simply disappear when I step onto an airplane. I am also not the first Edmonton Police Commission member who doesn’t reside in the City of Edmonton, so this does not come without precedent.
“I have advised the board that I will be available to return for in-person Commission business as required, although I will not be seeking honoraria for my service going forward. I can also confirm that I will not be seeking the Commission Chair position in the future.
“In closing, it has been an honour to serve you as a commissioner for the past seven years, including twice as the Chair of this board, and I look forward to continuing to help make Edmonton a safer city for everyone.”