Newly named OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique says he’s never met Premier Doug Ford and does not have a relationship with the Ford family, as the government tries to distance itself from the never-ending controversy over the position.

Carrique was appointed to take over the job on Friday, two days after Toronto police Supt. Ron Taverner withdrew his name from consideration amid questions about his relationship with Ford and his qualifications for the role.

Taverner’s long running friendship with the Ford family led to NDP accusations of political interference by the Premier’s Office and spurred an ongoing investigation by the integrity commissioner into Ford himself.

In a news conference on Monday, Community Safety Minister Sylvia Jones said she learned of Taverner’s decision to step aside on Wednesday, which triggered a rapid search for a new commissioner among high ranking officers across the province.

“When Mr. Taverner withdrew his interest we moved decisively as a government to find an individual who would serve as the incoming commissioner,” Jones said.

“I want to move forward. I want to move forward with the new commissioner, with an individual who has a vision for how policing is changing across Canada and in Ontario and I’m very pleased with the choice.”

Carrique, who has been with York Regional Police (YRP) for the past 29 years and currently serves as the deputy chief, said he is “surprised” to be taking on a role that he never sought in the first place. He said that he intended to serve out his career with YRP.

While Carrique was not part of the original slate of candidates who were interviewed for the top job in 2018, he was approached by the Deputy Minister of Community Safety, Mario Di Tomasso, last week.

“We had very lengthy, deep and detailed discussions about the expectations of the commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, my vision for policing and how I may be able to assist the OPP with permanent, fixed leadership moving forward,” he said. “It is something that is very important to the safety and security of this province.”

A spokesperson in the Premier’s Office said the ministry of community safety “considered some of the most senior police officers in the province” after being asked by cabinet. Carrique’s qualifications and experience made him the “best candidate for the job,” the spokesperson said.

Last week NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said the appointment process needs to “completely independent.”

"It can't have Doug Ford's fingerprints all over it. It can't be a friend of the family. It can't be somebody who has to have the qualifications reduced just so that they can qualify," she said.

When asked about the separation of government and policing, Carrique said there should be “no question” that police remain independent in terms of operational matters.

“It is very important that police work in partnership with government to ensure that we have the adequate resources and support to do our job. Operationally, there is no question, that the police remain independent,” he said.

“As the commissioner of the OPP it will be my responsibility to set the operational direction and priorities for the service and that is done in collaboration and partnership with our ministry, the Ministry of Community Safety.”

Carrique has spent his 29-year career with YRP, which included time with Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Investigative Services, Traffic, Marine, Public Order and the Administration and Operations branches.

The veteran officer got emotional at the news conference when describing his time with YRP.

“York Regional Police has been my home, my passion and my family for 29 years,” he said, his voice choked with emotion.

“I have learned a great deal from some of the top police leaders who have served in this organization and the extremely dedicated, sworn and civilian staff. It is one of the finest police services in this country and I hope to benefit from it in my experience here in my new role.”

YRP Chief Eric Jolliffe had similar sentiments about Carrique’s time with the service, describing his departure from the organization as a “significant loss.”

“York Regional Police is proud that deputy Carrique’s experience, talent and dedication has been recognized by the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Sylvia Jones, and the Government of Ontario, as he assumes this prestigious and challenging position,” Jolliffe said in a news release Monday morning.

“However, we recognize as well that this is a significant loss for our organization, our community and the members of York Regional Police who have, for almost 30 years, benefitted from Tom’s extensive knowledge, dedication to community, stellar leadership qualities and unwavering integrity.”

Carrique begins on April 8th.