Richard Pootmans replaces Diane Colley-Urquhart on Calgary Police Commission

Coun. Richard Pootmans has been selected to sit on the Calgary Police Commission, following Coun. DianeColley-Urquhart's sudden resignation fromthe commissionlast month.

The Ward 6 councillorwas selectedduring a closed-door meeting last Monday.The choice was kept secret until he passeda police background check.

• New councillor chosen to serve on police commission pending background check

Pootmans joins the commission as theCalgary Police Servicefaces allegations of bullying, abuse and discriminationagainst women in its ranks.

Addressing issues

"I think the police commission has a steady hand on the tiller,"Pootmanstold CBC News Tuesday evening.

"They have a seven-point plan to address the issues of respectful workplace and make it far more suitable and equitable for womenin particular, and I look forward to being part of that solution."

He said he hopes to bring an "action-oriented" voice to the role, "and a voice that understands how to move forward with issues."

"Coun.Pootmans joins the commission at a time when we are actively engaged in working collaboratively with CPS to move forward on gender equity, use of forceand community engagement," said commission chair Brian Thiessenin a news release.

"Coun.Pootmans brings a wealth of experience and sound judgment to this role and we look forward to welcoming him at our next meeting onMarch 28, and to gaining the insights he will bring."

Commission lost memberin February

Colley-Urquhartquitthe commission last month, a day afterThiessensaid she may have violated the commission's code of conductby speaking publicly against the Calgary Police Servicefor what she called a lack of action around allegations of bullying and harassment against women in its ranks.

Thiessentold CBC News last monththat the commission's code of conduct requires a mandatory review if members of the public complain about members of the commission.

After 13 members of the public complained aboutColley-Urquhart'sconduct,Thiessensaid "an amicable approach" was takenand the issue was resolved informally. He said he was surprised and disappointedColley-Urquhartquit the commission.

Colley-Urquhartwent public with her concernsover the treatment of women in the force following dozens of private meetings with female officers who alleged they were bullied and harassed.

One of those women, Jen Magnus,publicly resigned from the forceat a January police commission meeting.

Magnus is among a group of 14 current and former officers who filed a complaint withChief RogerChaffinlast week, alleging CPS failed to provide a safe working environmentamid a backdrop of bullying, abuse and discrimination.