THUNDER BAY — The Ontario Civilian Police Commission says it continues to have concerns about the Thunder Bay Police Services Board's oversight of the Thunder Bay Police Service.
As such, the OCPC has extended the appointment of Malcolm Mercer as administrator of the TBPSB.
He was initially appointed for a six-month term last April, and his powers were expanded shortly afterwards when the majority of the police services board's members resigned in protest.
In an announcement Friday, the OCPC said it had issued an order extending his term until March 30, 2023, but noted it could be either cancelled or extended if necessary.
"The decision was based upon a review of the original order, the report provided by Mr. Mercer dated August 18, 2022, and the advice of the Independent Expert Panel, that led the OCPC to believe that an emergency continues to exist in the TBPSB oversight of the TBPS," it stated.
Mercer has sole decision-making power on behalf of the police board.
