Ontario government defends OPP commissioner appointment

The man about to become Ontario’s top cop should step aside while a probe is conducted into allegations of political interference from Premier Doug Ford’s office in his hiring, the leader of the Opposition said Wednesday as the government stood firm on the appointment.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath called on Toronto police Supt. Ron Taverner — a Ford family friend who was named Ontario Provincial Police commissioner last month — to “do the right thing ” a day after the force’s acting chief joined a growing chorus in questioning the Progressive Conservative government’s choice for the job. Acting OPP Commissioner Brad Blair sent a letter to ombudsman Paul Dube on Tuesday night asking him to probe Taverner’s hiring, saying officers in the force expressed concerns the selection process was unfair and could raise doubts about the police service’s independence.

Blair also suggested in the letter that Taverner’s appointment be delayed until an investigation could be conducted by the ombudsman — a proposal Horwath supported in comments she directed at Taverner.

“You know that this requires your action since Mr. Ford and the government ... are not prepared to act,” Horwath said. “You have to step aside for the sake of the organization of policing that you’ve dedicated your whole career to. This is the time you have to show your integrity.” Taverner, a longtime Ford ally who initially did not meet the requirements listed for the commissioner position, did not immediately respond to request for comment. The 72-year-old is set to take on his new role on Monday. Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Sylvia Jones defended both his appointment as commissioner and the process that led to it. She said the government fully disputed the contents of Blair’s letter.

“We are not going to comment on Mr. Blair’s motivations for using the office he holds to raise these issues,” she said. “The government stands by the process leading to the appointment of Mr. Taverner.” Jones also said the government would respect any decision the ombudsman makes around opening an investigation and would cooperate if a review gets underway. Days after naming Taverner as the new commissioner in late November, the Ford government admitted it lowered the requirements for the position to attract a wider range of candidates.