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Hope added that she believes Thiessen and commission vice-chair Lisa Silver are committed to the workplace issues that have been brought forward.

“But it’s concerning when somebody takes this drastic step,” she said. “You know, what is going on behind the scenes there as well.

In a statement, Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley thanked Colley-Urquhart for her service on the commission, “along with her advocacy to ensure Albertans feel safe and respected in their workplace.”

“The role of the Calgary police commission is to provide independent civilian oversight and governance of the Calgary Police Service,” said Ganley.

“Concerns need to be shared with the commission in order for the commission to follow up on them and ensure accountability. I understand there were no sanctions in this matter, just a discussion around process.”

Doug King, a professor in the department of justice studies at Mount Royal University, said Colley-Urquhart’s resignation is a “loss to public oversight of policing in Calgary.”

“She has been a reliable and public voice of oversight in policing in Calgary for 10 years, and I am of the opinion that that has been a very positive thing for policing in general.”

King added that having the chair of the police commission indicate that there’s no formal reprimand on the horizon, but then to make that statement publicly, “is a form of public reprimand.”

On Monday, after Thiessen spoke to Colley-Urquhart, the commission found that she could have violated four parts of the code of conduct, including speaking on behalf of the commission without authority; using her position as a commissioner to advance personal interests; failing to execute duties loyally, faithfully and impartially; and failing to perform duties in accordance with the rules.

Thiessen said Tuesday — just before receiving the letter of resignation — that he and Colley-Urquhart found enough areas of agreement that there wouldn’t be a formal investigation.

Colley-Urquhart said she disagreed with the commission’s conclusions and the evidence used to reach their conclusion.

“I don’t want anything I say to further jeopardize these women police officers,” she told Postmedia. “Some have already resigned. Others continue to be impacted. I want to say unequivocally that this is not about me.”

— With files from Annalise Klingbeil