Edmonton councillor resigns from police commission to focus on Chinatown safety

EDMONTON · Edmonton city councillor Anne Stevenson has resigned from the Edmonton Police Commission, saying she needs to focus her efforts on safety concerns in Chinatown. Stevenson, who represents Ward O-Day’min, posted a statement on social media Friday announcing her decision after much thought. The police commission said her resignation was effective Wednesday, and she was not present at its meeting on Thursday. Stevenson had served on the commission for five years and her term was set to expire at the end of 2027. "I believe strongly in the importance of civilian oversight in policing and I'm proud of the steps we've taken during my five years on the commission to strengthen our governance framework," Stevenson said. She cited specific initiatives she helped champion, including the expansion of commission staff to include communications and financial advisors, refinement to public reporting on control tactics to improve transparency, recording of public meetings, and sharing summaries of commission committee meetings. "I'm also pleased to know that further work will be done to increase the number of reports going to public meetings in the future," she said.

Stevenson said her immediate priority is addressing the very present safety challenges in her ward and the city as a whole, specifically the issue of detainee drop-offs in Chinatown. "The issue of detainee drop-offs in Chinatown is far from being resolved," she said in her statement. "In recent weeks, I have gained further insights into the depths of the challenges we're facing. It has become clear to me that current correctional practices are actively undermining the City's efforts to address homelessness and create a safe and vibrant core." She said this issue will not be fixed without sustained effort and advocacy, and that is where she will focus her safety initiatives moving forward. "Police governance is ultimately a long-term effort and, as important as this work is, at this time I feel I need to be fully focused on the very present safety challenges facing the ward I represent and our city as a whole," Stevenson wrote.

The commission thanked Stevenson for her service. Chair Ben Henderson said the commission extends its appreciation for her "dedicated service, thoughtful insights and contributions to effective governance and oversight of the Edmonton Police Service over the past five years." Henderson added that Stevenson's perspective and commitment to the commission's work will be missed. "We look forward to continuing to work with her as an elected official," he said.

With files from CBC News and CityNews