The Ontario government has appointed Thomas Carrique as the next Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.
Carrique is currently the deputy chief of the York Regional Police, and for the past 29 years, he has worked in uniform patrol, criminal investigations, investigative services, traffic, marine, public order, and the administration and operations branches.
"Deputy Chief Carrique's extensive experience is important as the OPP works to tackle challenging files, such as human trafficking and the ongoing fight against guns and gangs," said Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Sylvia Jones.
The OPP has been without a permanent commissioner since last November, and Carrique will serve a three-year term starting April 8.
Interim Commissioner Gary Couture will continue to hold the position until then.
Last Wednesday, Ron Taverner withdrew from the appointment process. Taverner was named to the post in late November but bowed out after it was revealed he was a family friend of Premier Doug Ford. Critics also complained he did not meet the original requirements of the job.
Ford has denied any involvement in Taverner's appointment.