Probe into hiring delays Ford friend’s move to OPP
TORONTO — The Ontario government is delaying the appointment of the man set to become the province’s top cop until an investigation into allegations of political interference in the hiring process is complete.
Community Safety Minister Sylvia Jones said the government will respect Ron Taverner’s request for a delay in his appointment, which was supposed to take place on Monday. The province’s integrity commissioner is investigating the appointment.
At the same time, acting commissioner Brad Blair will be replaced at the helm of the Ontario Provincial Police by Gary Couture, who is currently the force’s deputy commissioner.
“I understand the preference for an alternative interim commissioner and will co-operate in every respect,” Blair said in a statement released Saturday.
Blair’s lawyer, Julian Falconer, said in a conference call with media on Saturday that his client will be “regressed” from his role as interim OPP commissioner on Monday.
On Friday, Blair asked the courts to order Ontario ombudsman Paul Dubé to investigate Taverner’s hiring, after the ombudsman declined his request to carry out the probe.
Falconer said Saturday that Blair will continue with the legal proceedings.
Taverner, 72, a longtime family friend of Premier Doug Ford, commands three divisions within the Toronto Police Service. He did not initially qualify for the commissioner’s post, but the government has said it lowered the job requirements to attract a wider range of candidates.
The Progressive Conservatives have repeatedly denied that the premier’s office had anything to do with Taverner’s hiring.
The Opposition NDP said on Saturday it is calling for an emergency select committee of the legislature to look into the appointment process.