Another Questionable Promotion for Bill Blair Raises Eyebrows in Canadian Political Circles
The recent appointment of Bill Blair as Canada's high commissioner to the United Kingdom has sparked renewed debate about his long and controversial career in public service. Political commentator Chris Selley argues that Blair's elevation to this prestigious diplomatic position represents yet another undeserved advancement for a figure whose record is marked by significant failures and questionable decisions.
A Career Defined by Controversial Policing Decisions
Bill Blair's political journey began with his tenure as Toronto police chief, where he established policies that continue to generate criticism years later. Most notably, Blair cemented the police force's approach of absolute deference to road-blocking protesters during his leadership. This policy first gained attention in 2009 when Tamil Canadian protesters took to Toronto streets and expressways, bringing traffic to a standstill for days.
The Canadian Tamil Congress later honored Blair in 2013 for his handling of the situation, with the police chief gratefully accepting the recognition. University of Toronto criminologist Anthony Doob defended Blair's approach at the time, suggesting the chief was considering long-term community interests rather than immediate convenience. However, critics argue this policy established dangerous precedents that would haunt Toronto policing for years to come.
The G20 Summit Debacle and Its Lasting Legacy
Perhaps the most damaging episode of Blair's policing career occurred during the 2010 G20 Summit in Toronto. Under his command, police conducted the largest mass arrest in Canadian history, detaining mostly peaceful protesters while balaclava-wearing individuals vandalized downtown businesses with minimal interference.
Blair further damaged his credibility when he admitted to fabricating information about a provincial bylaw that supposedly prohibited anyone from venturing within five meters of the G20 security perimeter. After Queen's Park clarified that no such regulation existed, Blair smilingly confessed he had invented the restriction "to keep the criminals out." This admission of deliberate misinformation continues to shadow his reputation in law enforcement circles.
Transition to Federal Politics and New Controversies
After entering federal politics, Blair continued to accumulate questionable decisions as public safety minister. Most troublingly, evidence suggests he attempted to leverage the 2020 Nova Scotia shooting rampage to advance the Liberal government's gun-control agenda. Former RCMP commissioner Brenda Lucki testified that she had promised Blair and the Prime Minister's Office to release information about the killer's weapons to support their political objectives, despite concerns this might compromise the ongoing investigation.
This episode raises serious questions about Blair's judgment and willingness to prioritize political goals over proper investigative procedures during a national tragedy.
The Diplomatic Appointment That Raises Questions
Blair's new role as high commissioner to the United Kingdom represents a significant diplomatic posting, yet many observers question why he merits such a position given his controversial track record. The appointment comes as political analysts wonder whether this represents Blair's final public service role or if further promotions might await him despite his history of problematic decisions.
Some speculate about potential future positions, including ambassador to the United Nations or even governor general, though critics argue the London posting itself represents an undeserved reward for a career marked by disappointment and controversy.
The fundamental question remains: How does a public figure with such a checkered history continue to ascend through Canada's political and diplomatic ranks? Blair's career trajectory challenges conventional assumptions about accountability and merit in Canadian public service, leaving many to wonder what standards truly govern political appointments in the nation's capital.
