Ontario Bill 119 would let minister set police priorities

The Ontario government is proposing new legislation that would grant the provincial solicitor general the authority to set priorities for municipal police services boards across the province. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner says the measure, included in the omnibus Bill 119, is designed to align local police board priorities with broader provincial objectives, such as combating illegal guns and drugs in communities.

Under the proposed law, the minister could issue a directive to a police services board requiring that specific priorities be reflected in the board’s strategic plan. The board would then adopt the directive, and the local police chief would be responsible for carrying out the updated plan. Kerzner emphasized that this mechanism is intended for strategic alignment and does not constitute directing police operations. He stated he does not direct any police service, including the Ontario Provincial Police, municipal, or First Nations services.

The government argues the change will provide clarity and consistency, noting that while some municipal boards perform well, others operate without clear provincial guidance. Officials said priorities could be set for...