Sault police chief officially resigns

Sources close to the situation have confirmed with CTV News that Sault police chief Hugh Stevenson will be resigning from his post as top cop.

The Sault Ste Marie Police Service is now looking for a new police chief.

In a statement Sunday morning, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Board chair John Bruno confirmed “with mixed emotions” that Hugh Stevenson has resigned as the chief of police effective March 23.

This comes following reports on Friday that the chief would soon be resigning.

CTV News has been unable to independently verify reports that he also plans to run federally for the Conservative Party of Canada in the next election.

Stevenson was hired for the city’s top law enforcement job back in 2018 and was given a contract extension two years ago.

He saw the city through tragedy that made national headlines in October 2023 after five people died in a murder-suicide involving intimate partner violence.

“We want to thank Hugh Stevenson for his years of dedicated service to the community and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service,” said Bruno in his statement.

Effective immediately deputy chief Brent Duguay will assume the role as interim acting chief for Sault Ste. Marie.

“With 30 years of policing experience with the Sault Ste. Marie Police, we as the board are confident he will lead us well during this transition,” said Bruno.

CTV News has reached out to the mayor’s office, the Sault Ste. Marie Police, the police services board and the federal Conservative Party for further comment on Stevenson’s resignation and possible candidacy.

This is a developing story and we’ll continue to update it as more information is released.