Appointed by the Government of Ireland, Boniface will join former Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen O'Toole and former Minneapolis Police Chief Robert Olson, as part of a high-level three-member team of international experts tasked with reviewing current practices of the 13,000-member national police service in Ireland. The Inspectorate will advise the Minister for Justice on best practices in policing and promote reform, effectiveness and efficiency in the organization.

"Commissioner Boniface has given exceptional service to the people of Ontario and has led the OPP's 7,000 uniform and civilian members with distinction," said Kwinter. "Her intelligence, dedication, and leadership have made a real, positive difference here in Ontario and I am not surprised that Ireland sought out someone with those qualities to take on this challenging new position."

Boniface will continue as OPP Commissioner until early October to ensure a smooth transition. An extensive, Canada-wide search will begin shortly to fill the Commissioner position.

"For three decades, Commissioner Boniface has distinguished herself as an exceptional police officer, role model and leader," said Premier Dalton McGuinty. "On behalf of all Ontarians, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for her service and wish her well as she begins the next phase of her career."

Boniface began her policing career with the OPP in 1977 and was named Commissioner in 1998. She was the first woman appointed to head Ontario's Provincial Police. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University and a Law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. Called to the Bar in Ontario in 1990, she is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and has served on the Law Commission of Canada. Commissioner Boniface received the Order of Ontario in 2001 for her work with First Nations communities and holds the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. She is a recipient of the Humber College Alumnus of Distinction Award and recently received an honourary Doctorate of Letters from Nippissing University. Commissioner Boniface is, by invitation, a member of the First Nations Chiefs of Police. She is the first female President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the first Canadian police officer to be elected General Chair of the State and Provincial Police Division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

"I want to thank the men and women of the OPP for their hard work and support," said Commissioner Boniface. "It has been an honour and a privilege working with them for the past 30 years to serve the people of Ontario."