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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!