VOTE: Should Ron Taverner be permitted to become the OPP commissioner?
The Doug Ford government’s announcement of a new Ontario Provincial Police commissioner has been met with harsh criticism. The provincial government stated that Toronto police Supt. Ron Taverner, who is a family friend of Ford, would move in to the role. But an inquiry by the integrity watchdog has stalled the process.
Here’s a timeline of the events that have occurred since the 72-year-old was publicly named the new OPP commissioner:
The facts:
When Taverner was selected as the new OPP commissioner controversy began to erupt, suggesting that he was given the position because of his relationship with Ford, not his credentials.
“There was no better choice, a transparent choice by the way that I wasn’t involved in whatsoever,” Ford said in the Ontario legislature.
Former acting OPP commissioner Brad Blair requested the Ontario ombudsman, Paul Dube, investigate Taverner’s hiring with a “impartial review,” due to questions of political interference.
Blair, who was in the running for the position, discovered a change in the job posting that made Taverner, previously ineligible for the position, now qualified for the role.
“It was to ensure that more people applied,” Community Safety Minister Sylvia Jones said as an explanation to the change in the job requirements.
Once the provincial ombudsman confirmed the investigation is taking place, Taverner then decided to rescind his resignation with the Toronto Police while he waits for the results of the probe.
Official opposition leader, the NDP’s Andrea Horwath, is now calling for a public investigation into Taverner’s appointment. She has also called for the creation of a committee to over the hiring of the OPP commissioner.
What do you think of the OPP commissioner scandal? Vote in the poll above and leave your comments below!