January 12, 2010
Toronto Star
CHATHAM, Ont. – Ontario's premier says he doesn't believe OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino should step aside while the courts probe allegations that he threatened municipal officials.
Premier Dalton McGuinty downplayed the allegations, calling them ``private information that is being put forward by a private citizen" – and said he'll let the case work its way through the courts.
When pressed on whether Fantino should take a leave from his duties while the case progresses, McGuinty said he didn't think such a step was required.
Fantino has vowed to fight an allegation from an activist that he illegally influenced elected officials in Caledonia, Ont., the site of a long-running aboriginal occupation.
The province's top cop is set to appear in court Friday on one count of influencing or attempting to influence municipal officials – a legal step required before charges could be officially laid and court dates set.
Activist Gary McHale has been trying to have Fantino charged after the commissioner allegedly sent an email in 2007 telling the mayor and councillors in Caledonia not to attend McHale's rallies.