NDP to Ford government: The OPP isn’t your private used car dealership

QUEEN'S PARK — On Tuesday, Doug Ford confirmed that he, in fact, demanded the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) buy him a custom camper van, from his preferred source, built to his specifications, and hide the expense from Ontarians. On Wednesday, NDP MPP for Essex, Taras Natyshak, said Ford’s excuse — that a “used” camper would have been acceptable — does not make Ford’s secret order ok.
“Yesterday Doug Ford defended his office’s order that the OPP buy a custom camper van for him, and keep the costs of this vehicle off the books,” said Natyshak. “According to Mr. Ford, the OPP could have easily acquired a used recreational camper van, probably off of Kijiji or something.
“Interim Commissioner of the OPP Brad Blair raised serious concerns about this request. But instead of thanking the Interim Commissioner for his honesty and integrity, Ford launched into an unsubstantiated smear campaign against him.”
Blair wasn’t alone. People across the province and country, including present and retired law enforcement officers and leadership have also voiced concerns about Ford’s appointment of his close personal friend to be Ontario’s top cop, as well as the process surrounding the appointment and the evidence Blair brought to light.
“It seems Mr. Ford and his government are the only people who don’t realize that this is wrong,” Natyshak added. “If Doug Ford won’t do the right thing, when will someone in his government stand up to him and tell him that providing off-the-books perks to the premier is not the job of the Ontario Provincial Police?”