Chair of police board makes ‘hard decision’ to step down, citing health issues

Coun. Markus Chambers has resigned as chairman of the Winnipeg Police Board.

After five years in the role, Chambers resigned from the position, and from board membership, on Oct. 1.

In an interview, the St. Norbert-Seine River councillor said unspecified “personal health” issues led him to make the “incredibly hard decision” to step down.

“I just felt after seven years of being on the Winnipeg Police Board, five as chair, that it was time to step back and let new leadership take the board and the service in a positive direction,” said Chambers.

The councillor noted he became a member of the board that oversees the Winnipeg Police Service in 2018, then became its chairman in June 2020. He is the longest serving chairperson.

Chambers became chairman of the board during a tumultuous time for policing, shortly after a Black man was killed during a police arrest in Minneapolis, sparking protests against police brutality around the world.

“International events impact local communities … There were huge protests that took place here, one of the largest protests that took place in the city’s history (followed) the murder of George Floyd,” said Chambers.

Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, was ultimately found guilty of murder, after holding his knee on Floyd’s neck as he gasped for breath.

Chambers said it sometimes felt daunting to work with police at that time, while he drew from his experiences as a person of colour and his friendships with law enforcement officials doing good work to protect the public.

“There was a full spectrum of emotion, of concerns, but (I wanted) to work with police … to rebuild the relationships that were fractured,” he said.

Chambers said he believes the Winnipeg Police Service is in a better place now, with stronger community ties and an enhanced focus on reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Chambers said his health concerns have not led him to rule out running for re-election as a city councillor next year.

Winnipeg Police Board vice-chair Colleen Mayer will fill in as chairwoman until a new appointment is made to replace Chambers.

Coun. Evan Duncan, a member of the Winnipeg Police Board, said Chambers did a good job.

“He was definitely dedicated to the role and it’s not an easy position, (with) a lot of public criticism (about) the role of the board and the role of police in Winnipeg. But he seemed to be able to steer the ship and maintain some integrity on the board,” he said.

Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) said he is not interested in seeking the chairman position. He believes both councillors and members of the public should be considered to fill the role.

Duncan said the next leader of the board will be challenged to address repeated calls for a greater police presence, as citizens cope with rising crime.

“The community has clearly spoken that they are at a breaking point when it comes to the amount of crime that is going on in this city … people do not feel safe and with good cause,” he said.

Mayor Scott Gillingham was not available for an interview Monday. In an email, the mayor thanked Chambers for his work.

“Over the past five years, he’s shown steady leadership through a lot of change — helping the service get through the pandemic, hiring Chief Gene Bowers, and adding dozens of new officers through investments by the city and province. His work has helped position the WPS to collaborate more closely with the community and other partners to keep Winnipeg safe,” he wrote.

Gillingham’s office said he will nominate a new board chairperson “in the weeks ahead.” That appointment would require a ratification vote by city council.

The board is required to include one or two elected officials from city council among its seven to nine members.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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