Witness Testimony

Richard Abbott, a 25-year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service with extensive tactical and leadership experience, testified regarding internal COVID-19 policies implemented within the service. He described a mandatory vaccination status disclosure policy and the suspension without pay of a constable who refused to complete the form. Abbott, who was vaccinated, stated that he believed the policy was coercive rather than health-driven. He also outlined workplace measures that restricted unvaccinated members from using lunchrooms, gyms, and overtime opportunities, characterizing these actions as segregation and inconsistent with operational realities.
Abbott further testified about attending protests in Milk River and Coutts, Alberta, during the Freedom Convoy period while off duty and in civilian attire. He stated that he independently assessed the events after questioning media portrayals and described the Milk River gathering as peaceful and lawful. At Coutts, he acknowledged the blockade was unlawful but said he met with protest leaders and encouraged peaceful compliance and safe arrest procedures. Following public circulation of video footage of him speaking at Milk River, he was suspended without pay for alleged violations of the service’s social media policy, which he disputes.
He contrasted his disciplinary treatment with what he described as a lack of consequences for officers who publicly expressed support for Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Abbott characterized the service’s COVID-19 policies and disciplinary actions as politically influenced and damaging to institutional trust. He emphasized the need for what he termed “bold leadership,” adherence to Charter principles, and non-politicized policing to preserve public confidence and institutional integrity.