In an unprecedented transfer, Toronto Metropolis Council swiftly handed a movement on Thursday to revoke Nadine Spencer’s appointment to the Toronto Police Service Board, the governing physique overseeing the biggest municipal police power within the nation. The choice was made with out debate following mounting issues and allegations surrounding Spencer’s conduct and the integrity of her enterprise practices.
Expressing deep disappointment, Spencer reacted to the council’s resolution in a press release to the media Thursday night, denouncing it as “reckless” and stemming from what she described as months of baseless accusations towards her.
Mayor Olivia Chow, addressing inquiries in regards to the elimination, declined to disclose specifics, citing confidentiality issues. “Metropolis council goals to nominate a person who can successfully serve the neighborhood,” Chow asserted throughout a information convention, sidestepping direct touch upon the allegations towards Spencer.
Former Toronto Police Board Chair Alok Mukherjee characterised the council’s motion as unprecedented, noting he couldn’t recall an analogous occasion the place an appointee’s time period was terminated earlier than completion. John Sewell, coordinator of the Toronto Police Accountability Coalition and a former Toronto mayor, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the rarity of such a elimination.
The choice to oust Spencer got here on the heels of a CBC Toronto investigation revealing discrepancies within the worker listings of Spencer’s firm, BrandEQ. Allegations surfaced that Spencer might have misrepresented or fabricated workers on the corporate’s web sites. Spencer vehemently denied these allegations by way of statements issued by her lawyer.
Notably, Spencer’s tenure on the police board started in spring 2023 following her appointment by metropolis council. Till her elimination, she performed a pivotal position as considered one of seven board members tasked with overseeing the operational and budgetary affairs of the Toronto Police Service.
In response to her elimination, metropolis council appointed Chris Brillinger to fill Spencer’s place on the police board till November 2026. Brillinger, presently serving as the chief director of Household Companies Toronto, brings intensive expertise in psychological well being and socioeconomic assist companies to the position.
The Toronto Police Service Board declined to touch upon Spencer’s elimination or the circumstances surrounding it, citing confidentiality and ongoing procedural issues. As per provincial laws, all board members are obligated to stick to a strict code of conduct geared toward upholding public belief in each the board and the police service itself.
