El-Chantiry steps into role of new Police Services Board chair following heated city council meeting
Posted Feb 17, 2022 08:00:00 PM.
The Police Services Board elected West Carleton-March councillor Eli El-Chantiry who previously held the position for 12 years until 2018.
This comes after council recommended that El-Chantiry be appointed to the position, following a vote from council to oust former chair Coun. Diane Deans on Wednesday, February 16.
El-Chantiry explains the board will be focusing on supporting police officers on the ground to bring an end to the ongoing occupation in Ottawa.
“All other discussions around governance and internal issues are on hold for discussion at a later date so the Ottawa Police Service can stay focused,” he said.
El-Chantiry adds that interim police chief Steve Bell will remain in that role, but didn’t indicate for how long, or provide details on the status of the new hired chief Matt Torigian.
The board also opted to wait until the vacancy left by Coun. Carol Ann Meehan is filled before electing a vice chair.
