QUEEN'S PARK, Oct. 12 /CNW/ - The Ontario government has appointed Julian

Fantino Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.

     "Julian Fantino has a long record of public service across Ontario," said

Premier McGuinty. "On behalf of all Ontarians, I wish him well in his new post

as he takes over leadership of a very professional force."

     Fantino leaves his post as Ontario's Commissioner of Emergency Management

to lead the OPP. He begins his new duties on October 30, 2006.

     His appointment builds on a distinguished policing career that spans four

decades. Fantino has a wealth of experience in policing, serving as Chief of

Police in London, York Region and Toronto.

     "It's a great honour to be named the province's new OPP Commissioner,"

said Fantino. "I look forward to working with the men and women of the OPP to

keep our communities safe and secure."

     Fantino was appointed through a competitive process, which included a

cross-Canada search. The search was conducted by a professional recruitment

agency with expertise in police executive recruitment. Fantino succeeds Gwen

Boniface who retired as Commissioner earlier this year.

     A process to appoint a new Commissioner of Emergency Management in

Ontario will begin in the coming weeks.