The Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) will do a deeper dive into the actions of leadership with Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS).

The news was released Friday alongside the terms of reference for the investigation, which were put together by the executive chair at Tribunals Ontario Sean Weir.

The OCPC has expressed concerns about the management of discipline in the police service, the conduct of criminal investigations by its officers, and the ability of senior leadership to administer
the day-to-day operations in good faith and in compliance with the Police Services Act (PSA).

The concerns emerged from the preliminary review at the request of Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, with the support of the Thunder Bay Police Services Board (TBPSB).

The commission will be examining allegations against suspended Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes, Police Chief Sylvie Hauth and police lawyer Holly Walbourne.

In a statement, Board Chair Kristen Oliver said:

The Thunder Bay Police Services Board welcomes today’s announcement by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC), that it will undertake an investigation of the Thunder Bay Police Service, as requested by the Board on April 29, 2021. We will await the outcome of the investigation and the Board will act accordingly based on OCPC findings. As the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.