John McDougall, chair of the Edmonton Police Commission, has resigned his position effective immediately.
The move comes after McDougall announced on Friday he was retiring and moving to Portugal.
“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 released on Tuesday morning.
“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.”
McDougall initially announced he would stay on as chair of the commission until the end of his term.
The minister of public safety said Tuesday prior to McDougall’s announcement that the province supported him as he transitioned his residency to a new country.
“John McDougall has been serving on the commission for nearly seven years and his experience and knowledge is vital during this time of change at EPS and at the commission,” Minister Mike Ellis wrote.
“John is regularly in Edmonton and engaged with the daily activities of the commission.”
Ellis added he expected McDougall to step down “later in 2025” after he completed his move.