The head of Edmonton’s police oversight agency, John McDougall, has announced his decision to move to Portugal full-time while continuing to govern the Edmonton police remotely. This unprecedented move has raised questions about the effectiveness of remote governance in such a critical role.
Remote Governance: A New Era?
In an interview with the Edmonton Journal, McDougall confirmed his plans to relocate, stating that he will continue to fulfill his duties as chair of the Edmonton Police Commission from Portugal. His term as chair ends this month, and he has decided not to seek re-election. However, he intends to remain a commissioner until the end of his term in December 2026.
McDougall emphasized that conducting business remotely has become commonplace, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated, “This is not unusual, to conduct business by Zoom. The majority of organizations now have a hybrid program… I don’t think the geographical difference is big.”
Local Relationships Matter
Having served as a commissioner for seven years, McDougall believes his long-standing relationships and knowledge of Edmonton will allow him to govern effectively from abroad. He remarked, “I have a long history, not only with Edmonton but with the commission and with the communities that I’m part of, and that does not end just because I get on an airplane.”
The City of Edmonton previously had residency requirements for police commissioners, but these were removed in 2021. Current policy states that residency is a consideration rather than a mandate for its agencies, boards, and commissions.
While technology enables remote work, the effectiveness of such an arrangement in overseeing local law enforcement is a topic of ongoing debate. The community will be watching closely to see how this unprecedented situation unfolds.
