Tories blast OPP commissioner´s `unfounded allegations´ about Taverner hiring
(The Star Food)

Ford’s government has blasted interim OPP Commissioner Brad Blair for complaining to the Ontario ombudsman about the controversial hiring of Ron Taverner to helm the force. Community Safety Minister Sylvia Jones said the Tories are sticking with Taverner, a Toronto superintendent and Ford pal. “We are not going to comment on Mr. Blair’s motivations for using the Office he holds to raise these issues. We will explore the appropriate venue to review the content of a letter that we fully and completely dispute,� Jones said Wednesday. “The government stands by the process leading to the appointment of Mr. Taverner as the next Commissioner of the OPP. Mr. Taverner has more than 50 years of exemplary police service. It is unfortunate that this service has been unfairly maligned by unfounded allegations about the appointment process,� the minister said. “We would respect any decision made by the Ombudsman about an inquiry into this matter and would cooperate with any such review.�Blair is alleging “potential political interference� in the appointment of Toronto police Supt. Ron Taverner as incoming commisioner. Read more:OPP interim commissioner asks ombudsman to review Taverner’s appointment over ‘potential political interference’Close adviser to Premier Doug Ford had real estate deal with future OPP commissioner Ron TavernerFord says he did not influence the decision to name close friend Ron Taverner as head of the OPPHe filed complaint late Tuesday requesting that Ontario’s ombudsman, Paul Dubé, probe the hiring of his successor.It comes as Taverner, 72, a close Ford chum, is to be sworn in as head of Canada’s second largest police force after the RCMP. The 51-year veteran Toronto police superintendent was a surprise choice to helm the OPP. Blair wants Taverner’s installation to be delayed pending a review of the appointment. The 32-year OPP veteran and the only depu ...