Premier Doug Ford hit with $5M defamation lawsuit by ex-OPP deputy Brad Blair

Ontario premier said Blair broke the law by releasing confidential material

Brad Blair, who was fired earlier this month, filed the $5-million lawsuit over comments by Ontario Premier Doug Ford that Blair had violated the Police Services Act. (Ontario Provincial Police)

A former high-ranking Ontario Provincial Police officer is suing Premier Doug Ford for defamation.

Brad Blair, who was fired earlier this month, filed the $5-million lawsuit at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on March 15 over comments by the premier that Blair had violated the Police Services Act.

Ford's comments followed Blair asking the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a longtime friend of the premier as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference. Taverner later withdrew his name from consideration for the position.

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