Province reportedly removed Peel police board chair suddenly

Peel Regional Police board chair Ron Chatha was suddenly removed from his position.

Chatha, who had just been reappointed for a three-year term on Jan. 27,  announced his departure in a tweet yesterday (April 12).

“Grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the residents of peel for nearly 5 years as I bid farewell to my colleagues at the Peel Police Board I shift my focus to better support my family and grow my business,” Chatha wrote on Twitter. ” I wish continued success to the Board and every member of PRP.”

News reports indicate the provincial government removed Chatha from the position.

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner has yet to say why Chatha has been removed.

In an email to insauga.com, Hunter Kell, junior press secretary for Kerzner would only say: “We are in the process of renewal, and a replacement is forthcoming.”

Chatha is a Brampton real estate brokerage owner who has served on many committee boards including the Peel Children’s Aid Foundation and Brampton’s School Traffic Safety Council.

He was first appointed to the Regional Municipality of Peel Police Services Board in 2019. He was appointed chair of the board in 2022.

His sudden departure seems to have taken people by surprise including Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.

“On behalf of all of us @PeelPolice, we take this opportunity to thank you @RonChatha,” Duraiappah tweeted today. “Your dedication, collaboration and vision to not only our police board but to the Region of Peel is remarkable. We wish you all the very best.”

It is unclear who will be appointed to replace Chatha.

The Peel Police Board has seven members: the head of Regional Council, currently Nando Iannicca; two other members of Regional council, appointed by the council, currently Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown; one citizen appointed by Region of Peel Council; and three people appointed by the Province of Ontario.

Chatha’s departure comes at a time of growing controversy surrounding the appointment of another member of the police board. This position is citizen appointee member.

Three delegations came forward at the Region of Peel council meeting today (April 13) asking that council appoint a Black person to the role. Although the process is meant to be discussed in private, the identity of two people up for the appointment is known.

The controversy comes with some in the community suggesting a Muslim member was fired for a Black appointee.

But delegates pointed out the need for Black representation on the police board. The Black population is overrepresented in the criminal justice system and underrepresented in policing positions of power.

On behalf of all of us @PeelPolice, we take this opportunity to thank you @RonChatha. Your dedication, collaboration and vision to not only our police board but to the Region of Peel is remarkable. We wish you all the very best. https://t.co/dBhoHBWpB2

— Chief Nishan Duraiappah (@ChiefNish) April 13, 2023