LONDON POLICE SERVICE BOARD MEDIA RELEASE 2025

LONDON POLICE SERVICE BOARD MEDIA RELEASE
The LPSB announces the resignation of Chair Ali A. Chahbar

LONDON, ON (May 2, 2025) – London Police Service Board (LPSB) Chair Ali A. Chahbar has announced his resignation from the Board, effective immediately, due to personal health reasons. 

This unexpected departure comes after tremendous organizational transformation under Mr. Chahbar’s leadership.  Mr. Chahbar has been a dedicated member of our Board since December 2021 and has served as Chair with distinction over the past two and a half years.

As a champion of public accountability and a leader of the highest integrity, Mr. Chahbar has been instrumental in driving the Board’s vision of a safer city and a stronger, more responsive police service.  Above all, Mr. Chahbar is a respected figure in the community who has always prioritized the best interests of London, the city where he was born and raised.

During Mr. Chahbar’s tenure as Chair, the Board secured a historic budget increase, brought new progressive police leadership to the organization, ratified a collective agreement that safeguards the wellness of our members, and initiated a governance and modernization plan to improve how the Board fulfills its mandate to the community.  His time with the Board is marked by a principled and thoughtful approach, progressive strategic vision, and a commitment to building trust with the membership and the community we serve.

In the interim, Vice-Chair Ryan Gauss will assume the duties of Acting Chair until the Board formally elects a new Chair at its next meeting on May 15, 2025. 

Acting Chair Gauss expressed the Board’s gratitude: “Ali has led with clarity, compassion, and a remarkable dedication to community wellbeing.  His thoughtful leadership will be greatly missed.  While we are saddened to see him step down, we support his decision to prioritize his health and extend our best wishes to Ali and his family.”

The Province has been notified and will take steps to fill the vacancy.

While we will deeply miss Mr. Chahbar's stewardship, he has left a strong foundation that will continue to guide our work. The Board remains focused on a clear path forward and enhanced public safety through collaboration with the London Police Service and the community.

Any questions or comments should be directed to Acting Chair Ryan Gauss via email to: lpsb@lpsb.ca. 

London Police Service Board:

Mr. Ryan Gauss, Acting Chair

Ms. Nancy Branscombe, Member

Mayor Josh Morgan, Member

Councillor Steve Lehman, Member        

Councillor Susan Stevenson, Member

Ms. Megan Walker, Member

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Date: May 2, 2025

While it has been the honour of a lifetime to serve as the Chair of the London Police Service Board for the past three years, due to personal health reasons, I must regrettably step down from the Board at this time. 

I consider myself fortunate beyond measure to have had the opportunity to serve my community in this capacity these past years. I am proud of the extensive work we have done to modernize the face of policing in our city. 

While I lament that I must step away at this time, I firmly believe that serving on this Board is a privilege and that unless a member can commit themselves fully and faithfully to the role, they should step aside to make space for another deserving individual. 

I know the important work of the Board will continue unabated, and I will dearly miss serving alongside such a dedicated and passionate board and service. The honourable officers and members of the London Police Service are truly our city’s finest and represent the very best of who we are as a community. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve the community I so dearly love in this unique manner. 

It has been a privilege, the likes of which, I will cherish forever. 

With utmost respect, humility, regard, and love, I thank you for your understanding and support. 

Ali