Julian Fantino Named Commissioner Of Emergency Management
Toronto Police Chief To Ensure Coordinated Response In Times Of Crisis
QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Feb. 8 /CNW/ - The Province has appointed Julian
Fantino Commissioner of Emergency Management as part of its ongoing plan to
ensure the security of Ontarians.
"Julian Fantino has a long record of public service through public
safety," said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. "His years as Chief of Police
in London, York Region and Toronto have equipped him well for this new
challenge: working with government, police, fire departments, transit systems
and all Ontarians to ensure we're prepared to cope with a major emergency."
Along with serving as Chief of Police of London from 1991 to 1998, York
Region from 1998 to 2000 and Toronto from 2000 to 2005, Fantino has developed
an expertise in public security in times of crisis.
He directed the policing response for the SARS outbreak and the blackout
that hit Toronto in 2003. He directed the development of an upgraded emergency
response plan for the Toronto Police Service, and he has spoken around the
world on emergency preparedness, fighting terrorism and providing security for
events such as the Olympics and papal visits.
Fantino is only the second person to hold the post of Commissioner of
Emergency Management, which was created last year to ensure a coordinated
response to emergency situations.
He succeeds Dr. James Young, who has accepted a new post with the federal
government.
"I want to thank Dr. Young for his work, and I want to thank Chief
Fantino for taking on the job," said Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community
Safety and Correctional Services. "Ontarians are fortunate to have someone of
his stature and his experience."
Premier McGuinty stressed that Ontario must be prepared in case of a
crisis.
"After the challenges posed by SARS and the blackout, we know Ontarians
can respond magnificently in challenging times. We need to work together to
ensure we can respond quickly and effectively to all future challenges as
well," said Premier McGuinty.
"In a post-9/11 world, there's no reason to alarm people, but there is
every reason to equip and inform people, so an action plan is always in place,
should we need one. I know Mr. Fantino is going to work with us and people
across the province to do just that."
