Toronto police Chief Bill Blair's contract won't be renewed

Toronto's police board decided today not to appoint Bill Blair to a third term as chief of the force, meaning that a search for his successor will soon be underway.

Blair had sought to renew his contract, but the board decided to go in a different direction after his second term expires in April.


Toronto Mayor Rob Ford thanked Blair "for his service to the people of this great city" and said he looked forward to working with Blair's replacement.

Ford repeated that the decision not to renew Blair's contract was made by the board.

Mike McCormack, president of the Toronto Police Association, said his organization was "surprised" to learn that Blair’s contract will not be renewed.

"We understand the process, we understand that, you know, things change, and we look forward to working with whoever the next chief might be," he told CBC News in an interview.

Toronto police Chief Bill Blair's contract won't be renewed

It seems the decision was not a unanimous one. I have no axe to grind in this situation, except to give my opinion that the G-20 excessive police actions accompanied the new surveillance era of Canadian citizens and gave us the impression that a new drastic change was afoot that would result in our losing our rights and privacy. The Toronto Police did not display their finest characteristics against the local populace, against those people who were peaceful and non-anarchist types, such as Mr. Nobody whose artificial limb was yanked from his body and his arm fractured, by a group of eight or nine police exercising thuggery.

Blair always stood up for his men, though I sometimes hated when he took that stance rather than say he would review the situation.

Regardless though, I think he really blew it when in an interview about Rob Ford, he displayed his own personal judgment as opposed to taking a more detached and non-involved professional stance. The message we got was that Ford was hiding something from everyone, and in that aspect he was correct. In retrospect, I think it was the moment the cat was let out of the bag for the rest of us, and Ford's actions after that displayed a sense of denial to addiction issues.

I wish the man luck as he moves on with his life and career. Will he stay until April when his term is up? He wanted to remain for another term but the board said they wanted to move in another direction. No matter who replaces him, I think we will all remember Bill Blair.

coincidence???

a reply to: BobAthome

The board is also being sued. Maybe they too will see their terms end without renewal? Can't say I blame her for the lawsuit, but what's with the additional charge laid today against the shooter of 'attempted murder'? No one is talking and I'm scratching my head. Since it's included in the 2nd degree murder charge, why lay a separate one... unless they plan to drop the 2nd degree charges maybe?

a reply to: aboutface

as they say on CNN im sorry its in the courts now ,
lol

so i cant comment on the Prosecutors choice of Hoiderv vauaes,,ie avenues,
,but u can be sure there there is gonna be a few surprising ,,
dots connecting too,",hi how are u places, "
,where a lot of how high how are u?

or is that how high up???

type of gargin,,ie high office, types.connected.

Could the non renewal be linked into Ford and his drunk drug issues?

Well I've read alot of Toronto police and some anti white hiring practices too, really really going to paying attention, because I'm sick and tired of them taking in groups from problem areas and enforcing this trojan horse on us. Not said in a racist way, but paying attention.

a reply to: Xcathdra

It has to be one of the factors, imo, however the board rep said one of the directions they want to move into is cybercrime. Toronto was an innovator in child porn tracking. The chief also promised that with the release of a new report stressing de-escalation of situations in training, that the report would be taken seriously. Most chiefs have only served one term and Blair has served two. It's no secret that he was on a collision course with the Fords though and it made some quite uncomfortable, but will we ever know the real reason?

a reply to: Unity_99

Wow, that would be a hot potato for sure! I know Ottawa has done fairly well in that regard, so they say, but I think it's really good that someone is keeping an eye on this. Don't hesitate to contact some board members and get involved.

Good riddance.

Blair's term will remembered for it's low points.

originally posted by: aboutface
will we ever know the real reason?

Maybe if the residents of Toronto demand it.

a reply to: BobAthome

Hey, if you're going to party, at least be polite enough to invite the rest of us.



From incoherency to this notion: That when Blair leaves office, some politicos with high affiliations will make him a terrific offer he will accept. Look at Julian Fantino for example. They have a way of rewarding their buddies.

a reply to: aboutface

high affiliations
oh come on thats just not fair,,,,

I always find Canadian legal model refreshingly different from that of my own land.

If this were to happen in America, powerful entities would posture that they represent huge legions of supporters in either elevating the accused to saintly or martyr status - while others would find every manner possible to demonize the notional wrongdoer.

Most Americans would adopt their favorite talking head's position (logic notwithstanding) and the cacophony of blathering "experts" on TV would ensure the nation appears outwardly and inwardly as chaotic disarray.

I hope justice is served... all people deserve a righteous outcome, from time to time.

originally posted by: Xcathdra
Could the non renewal be linked into Ford and his drunk drug issues?

IMO that IS the reason. A few months back he didn't back Ford. Welcome to politics Blair.