Edmonton police union president stepping down for 'break,' plans to return to policing

After six years, the Edmonton Police Association's president is stepping down.
Mike Elliott confirmed his departure to CTV News Edmonton on Monday.
"I’ve really enjoyed my time representing the membership," he said in a brief email. "It is time for me to take a break and return to the service."
Elliott has served as EPA president since 2018, having spent a total of 17 years with the union.
In a tweet, police chief Dale McFee said, "Thank you, Mike, for all that you have done for our officers and the EPA. Happy to have you back in service."
As union president, Elliott was a strong mental health advocate and spoke often about the increasing violence facing officers on the street.
- 'The situation is quite dire': Unions concerned over increase in weapons complaints on Edmonton transit
- 'Brazenness' of shootings escalating, police say, as videos of public gun violence released
His tenure included a "pause" of Edmonton Public Schools' school resource officer program, which he opposed, citing concerns for student and staff safety.
Elliott was also defensive of Edmonton police officers during times of heightened scrutiny, including during the Black Lives Matter and "defund police" movements; in response to criticism by an Edmonton city councillor; and – most recently – after a member of the public wrongly identified the officer involved in a bloody arrest at an Edmonton mall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull dies at 84
Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull has died at the age of 84. He played for the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and Hartford Whalers as well as the World Hockey Association's Winnipeg Jets over a 23-year pro career.

Girl, 6, dead after accident at ski resort north of Montreal on Sunday
A six-year-old girl died in hospital Sunday night after being involved in an incident at the Val-Saint-Côme ski resort in Lanaudiere. Quebec police are investigating, though details into the event are not yet known. Officers indicated that it involved a T-bar lift, but they were not able to say more.
New alcohol recommendations could speed up changing drinking habits: businesses
Advocates and business owners in the beverage industry say new guidance for drinking alcohol could speed up changing consumer drinking habits as younger generations drink less and non-alcoholic beverages become more popular.
WHO: COVID-19 still an emergency but nearing 'inflection' point
The coronavirus remains a global health emergency, the World Health Organization chief said Monday, after a key advisory panel found the pandemic may be nearing an 'inflection point' where higher levels of immunity can lower virus-related deaths.
All countries 'dangerously unprepared' for future pandemics: report
The world is 'dangerously unprepared' for future pandemics, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) say in a report published on Monday, calling on countries to update their preparedness plans by year-end.
Are you a Ukrainian who recently moved to Canada? We want to hear from you
With Russia's invasion of Ukraine displacing millions of people, many refugees have begun to lay their roots in Canada. If you or someone you know has fled the war-torn country and settled in Canada, we want to hear from you.
NDP to call for emergency debate in House of Commons over private health care
Federal New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh says he will call on the House of Commons to hold an emergency debate on the privatization of health care.
COVID-19 global emergency isn't over: 5 things to know about the WHO decision
The World Health Organization decided Monday not to declare an end to the COVID-19 global public health emergency.
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet set to retire after overseeing Vatican's bishops' office
Marc Ouellet, the Quebec cardinal who oversaw the Vatican's powerful bishops' office and has been recently accused of sexual misconduct, is retiring.