Incoming OPP commissioner Ron Taverner won't be starting his brand new job just yet.
Our media partner CTV News has learned that Taverner sent an email to the province's Community Safety Minister, asking her to delay the process until the province's integrity commissioner finishes a review on whether Premier Doug Ford interfered with the hiring process.
In a statement, Minister Sylvia Jones says while the government has full confidence in him, we will respect his request for a delay in his appointment, until such time as the Integrity Commissioner has conducted a review of the selection process.”
Meantime, sources tell CTV News that interim OPP Commissioner Brad Blair is stepping away from his duties.
Blair had formally requested to force the province's ombudsman Paul Dubé to investigate Taverner's hiring, with his letter stating that there were growing concerns from both the public and members of the legislature about the appointment.
Originally, Dubé did not want to carry about the probe.
Blair's lawyer Julian Falconer has said Dubé did not want to investigate because he believes the matter is out of his jurisdiction since the hiring was ultimately a decision made by cabinet.
However, following the application to the Ontario Divisional Court on Friday, Falconer confirmed Saturday that the court application will proceed.
Deputy commissioner and provincial commander for field operations Gary Couture is taking over the position as interim commissioner.
He's expected to be in that role until at least the end of March.
The Premier has previously said that he had no influence on Taverner's appointment, despite the two being friends for many years.
Until yesterday, Taverner was a Toronto Police superintendent.
- With a file from the Canadian Press and CTV News