Alberta appoints cardiac surgeon to Edmonton Police Commission
“Dr. Nagendran is proud to call Edmonton his home and wishes a bright future for all who live in our communities."
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Edmonton’s second provincially appointed police commissioner is a cardiac surgeon, scientist and local medical tech entrepreneur.
The Edmonton Police Commission announced Dr. Jayan Nagendran as its newest member on Tuesday. He will serve a three-year term until April 24, 2026. Nagendran, born and raised in Edmonton, is the director of cardiac surgery at the University of Alberta and a full-time surgeon, an associate professor in surgery, and surgical director for Alberta Health Services (AHS) lung transplantation.
He joins Alberta’s first appointment to the commision, dentist and Chinatown advocate Michael Lee. The Alberta government’s recent updates to the Police Act give the province the ability to make appointments to local police commissions. Both Nagendran and Lee were chosen by May 1 but neither were announced until after the provincial election.
“Dr. Nagendran is proud to call Edmonton his home and wishes a bright future for all who live in our communities. He feels privileged to serve as a member of the Edmonton Police Commission,” the news release states.
Nagendran declined an interview request. In an email, he did not answer questions about why he is a good candidate and why he wants to join the commission, and said these questions should be directed to the commission. Postmedia asked the same questions of Lee during an interview about his appointment last month.
Nagendran’s company Tevosol Transplant Technologies won a NASA iTech Ignite the Night award in 2020 for creating a portable and affordable machine that preserves organs and improves transplantation. Technology he co-developed, the ex-vivo organ support system, has been used successfully in lung transplants. His company’s NASA iTech entry noted how work on long-term hibernation and radiation may have implications for research on space travel.
Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee has previously welcomed bringing provincial appointments to the commission, saying it will balance the ability of Edmonton city council.
Edmonton’s mayor previously expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with council on the additions. Former commissioner Murray Billett said provincial appointments could affect dynamics in the commission as they will be seen “as agents provocateurs.”
Edmonton city council updated its bylaws last month to reflect updates to the Police Act. Alberta can choose up to three members for municipal police commissions while city councils choose between seven and nine members including two city councillors. Previously, council could choose 10 members from the community plus two councillors. Current members may finish their terms.
Nagendran won’t be sworn in until the Sept. 21 meeting because of personal commitments. There is no police commission meeting in August.
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