Alberta’s public safety minister issued an updated statement Tuesday morning saying an Edmonton police commissioner is expected to resign his position when he moves to Portugal.
It comes after John McDougall, who is currently serving as chair, announced Friday his plans to continue serving as a commissioner for two years from his new home in western Europe.
“John is in Portugal over the holidays while he is setting up his new residence there. He remains a resident of Edmonton,” Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis wrote in a statement to CityNews.
“Once he permanently moves later in 2025, the expectation is that he would step down.”
McDougall is a provincial appointee and has served on the commission for seven years. His appointment was set to expire in December 2026.
In his statement, McDougall said he sought approval from 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.
McDougall’s announcement was met by criticism from politicians and the public.
A city councillor, a local 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.