Province Did Not Consult With Hells Angels Either

Irked by Fantino decision

By BRIAN GRAY, TORONTO SUN

Ontario's First Nations are disappointed that the province named Julian Fantino the new OPP commissioner without consulting them, an adviser to the chiefs said yesterday.

"We wanted the opportunity to have input or play an advisory role," Pam Hunter said. "We know we can't select the new commissioner."

Hunter said they wrote to Public Safety Minister Monte Kwinter asking for input and they were told an outside firm was conducting the search.

On Fantino's plate when he takes over the job on Oct. 30 will be the ongoing standoff in Caledonia between native protesters and local property owners. The OPP has received criticism on its handling of the native standoff, which has erupted into violence several times.

Earlier this week provincial Finance Minister Greg Sorbara said naming Fantino -- known for his tough stance when he headed the Toronto, York and London police forces -- did not signal a change in the way Queen's Park would deal with the standoff.