FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2026
Police Governance Ontario Announces 2026-2027 Board of Directors
Niagara Falls, Ontario – Police Governance Ontario (PGO) is pleased to announce the election of its 2026-2027 Board of Directors following the organization’s Annual General Meeting held during the 2026 Spring Conference in Niagara Falls.
This newly elected Board marks an important milestone in the organization’s evolution as the first Board of Directors elected under the Police Governance Ontario name following the transition from the Ontario Association of Police Service Boards (OAPSB).
The election of the 2026-2027 Board represents an important step forward for the organization and reflects Police Governance Ontario’s commitment to supporting effective civilian oversight, strengthening governance capacity, and advancing excellence in police governance across the province.
Representing municipal police service boards, OPP Detachment Boards, and First Nations police governance bodies, the Board brings together a diverse range of governance experience, leadership perspectives, and community voices. Collectively, these leaders will help guide the strategic direction of the organization as it continues to support police governors in navigating an evolving legislative and governance environment.
The Board was elected during PGO’s 2026 Spring Conference and Annual General Meeting, which brought together board members, administrators, government representatives, policing partners, and subject matter experts from across Ontario to explore emerging governance challenges, share leading practices, and strengthen civilian oversight of policing.
The Executive of the 2026-2027 Board of Directors consists of Chair Al Boughton (Peel Regional Police Service Board), First Vice Chair Bill Hagborg (North Bay Police Service Board), Second Vice Chair and Secretary Susan Stevenson (London Police Service Board), and Treasurer John Thomson (Owen Sound Police Service Board).
“Police governance in Ontario continues to evolve, and effective civilian oversight has never been more important. We are committed to supporting our members as they navigate increasingly complex governance responsibilities while ensuring accountability, transparency, and public confidence remain at the forefront of our work,” said Al Boughton, Chair of Police Governance Ontario.
As Police Governance Ontario continues to grow, the Board will guide the organization’s strategic direction and support ongoing efforts to advance governance excellence through education, expertise, advocacy, engagement, and practical resources for members.
The Board’s work will be supported by a strong network of directors representing communities and governance bodies from across Ontario, ensuring that municipal, OPP detachment, and First Nations perspectives continue to shape the future of police governance in the province.
A complete list of the 2026-2027 Board of Directors, including director biographies, is available on the Police Governance Ontario website.
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About Police Governance Ontario
Police Governance Ontario (PGO) is the provincial voice of civilian police governance in Ontario. PGO supports Police Service Boards, OPP Detachment Boards, and First Nations Police Governance Bodies through education, expertise and advocacy. The organization is committed to leading excellence in police governance and strengthening public trust through effective civilian oversight.
Media Contact
Jeanine Lassaline-Berglund
Director, Communications & Engagement
Police Governance Ontario
media@policegovernanceontario.ca
www.policegovernanceontario.ca