Edmonton police commissioner resigns after public backlash over Portugal move

An Edmonton police commissioner who was widely criticized for wanting to hold his position while living abroad has resigned.

John McDougall, who was serving as chair of the Edmonton Police Commission, said in a statement Tuesday he is resigning effective immediately.

McDougall says the decision was made “after much reflection over the past few days.”

“It is clear that my residency would be an unwelcome distraction from the important work of the Commission, which is not fair to the citizens who rely on us to provide governance and oversight of the Edmonton Police Service,” he wrote in a statement.

“I thank my fellow commissioners whom I had the pleasure serving alongside over the past seven years. I am truly honoured to have improved policing in Edmonton and look forward to seeing that work continue for the betterment of this city. I leave the Commission with my head held high and my heart full of gratitude.”

The fallout began Friday when McDougall announced his plans to continue serving as a commissioner for two years from his new home in Portugal, though he promised to refuse all payments for doing so. The provincial appointee, who has served on the commission for seven years, was to step down in December 2026 when his appointment expired.

That announcement was met by criticism from politicians and the public. A city councillor, a lawyer, a former deputy premier, the NDP Opposition and Edmonton’s mayor all called on McDougall to be replaced by someone who lives in the area.

McDougall said he sought approval from Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis to keep serving from abroad, and the mister approved that.

In a Friday press conference, Ellis said he thought McDougall was staying in Edmonton until his term expired. The minister issued a statement Friday afternoon in support of McDougall continuing to serve as a commissioner.

Prior to McDougall resigning on Tuesday, Ellis said the commissioner would resign his position only once he moved to Portugal.

“John is in Portugal over the holidays while he is setting up his new residence there. He remains a resident of Edmonton,” Ellis wrote in a statement to CityNews.

“Once he permanently moves later in 2025, the expectation is that he would step down.”

The province is expected to appoint McDougall’s replacement. Minister Ellis recently said he wants to increase the number of Alberta appointees on the commission, but he has not said how many will be added or when.