Edmonton police chief to assume leadership roles in Alberta public service, executive council

Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee speaks with media in Edmonton on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. (Jason Franson / The Canadian Press)

Dale McFee will start a job in the high level of Alberta's government three days after his last day as the chief of Edmonton Police Service in February.

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Premier Danielle Smith announced his appointment as the deputy minister of the executive council and head of the Alberta Public Service via statement on Thursday, noting the two have had a pleasurable working relationship over the past two years.

"With his wealth of leadership experience, he will bring a fresh perspective to our government's work and will help us deliver on our priorities for Albertans," she said.

McFee said he was "deeply committed to our province and to driving positive change within our public service and for all Albertans."

He announced his early departure from EPS two weeks earlier, declining to provide a reason beyond that he believes the service is "in good shape going forward" and "some of the opportunities that I might have."

His last day with the service is Feb. 21. He will start his new job on Feb. 24.

McFee has been Edmonton's 23rd police chief, hired in 2019. He has held a number of roles in policing and corrections, the Saskatchewan government, and the Canadian Association Chiefs of Police.

Talking to reporters Thursday afternoon, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi congratulated McFee and wished him the best in his new job.

"I think he's a professional and he has so much to give to the government," Sohi said.

"I look forward to working with him in his new role to advance our city's collective goal of building a better city and also advancing very key priorities within the provincial government."