Representative Bill Blair Contact information

William Sterling Blair PC COM MP, born on April 9, 1954, is a Canadian politician and former police officer. He has held various prominent positions in both law enforcement and politics, currently serving as the President of the Privy Council and Minister of Emergency Preparedness since October 26, 2021. Representing the Liberal Party, Blair is the Member of Parliament for Scarborough Southwest.

Blair’s journey began in Scarborough, Ontario, where he was born to a father who had dedicated 39 years to serving as a police officer. Initially considering a career in law or finance, Blair enrolled at the University of Toronto Scarborough in the mid-1970s. Although he briefly studied economics, his ambition led him to pursue a career in law enforcement. Blair later returned to the University of Toronto and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and criminology.

Blair is married to Susanne McMaster, and together they have three grown children—two sons and a daughter—as well as two grandchildren.

Prior to his political career, Blair spent three decades working with the Toronto Police Service (TPS). During his time with the TPS, he held various roles, including serving as the Chief of Police from 2005 until his retirement in 2015. His tenure as chief saw significant efforts to improve community relations and address organized crime and major criminal investigations. Blair’s commitment to community policing was evident through initiatives like sending police officers to read to children in local schools and engaging with businesses and churches.

Blair’s leadership during challenging times earned him recognition and respect. In 2009, he successfully navigated protests by Tamil Canadians in Toronto, demonstrating his commitment to peaceful resolution and respect for the protesters’ rights. Blair’s approach garnered him the inaugural “Leaders for Change Award” from the Canadian Tamil Congress.

Blair faced further challenges during the G20 Toronto Summit in 2010, where the Toronto Police Service faced criticism for their handling of protests and mass arrests. Despite the pressure to resign, Blair remained steadfast and focused on maintaining public safety. In the aftermath, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the Toronto Police Services Board, resulting in a $16.5 million settlement in 2020.

Throughout his career, Blair’s dedication to public service has been evident. In 2013, he confirmed the existence of a video allegedly showing Toronto Mayor Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine, highlighting his commitment to transparency and upholding the law. Despite facing criticism and challenges from various quarters, Blair remained resolute in his responsibilities as the Chief of Police.

Following his retirement from the Toronto Police Service, Blair transitioned to a political career. The Liberal Party recruited him as their candidate for the Scarborough Southwest riding in the 2015 federal election. He was elected on October 19, 2015, and subsequently held roles as parliamentary secretary to the minister of justice and parliamentary secretary to the minister of health.

Blair’s contributions to public safety and emergency preparedness led to his appointment as Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction in July 2018. He later assumed the role of Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness in November 2019, overseeing significant measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the closure of the Canada-U.S. border.

On October 26, 2021, Blair became the President of the Privy Council and shifted his focus to the role of Minister of Emergency Preparedness. In this capacity, he has played a crucial role in coordinating the federal government’s response to natural disasters and emergencies, such as the Pacific coast floods in British Columbia and Hurricane Fiona.

Blair’s commitment to public service has been recognized through various awards and honors. He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2007

, later being elevated to the level of Commander in 2012. Blair is also a Member of the Venerable Order of Saint John.

William Sterling Blair’s career has been defined by his dedication to serving the public and maintaining community safety. From his years in law enforcement to his current political responsibilities, Blair has demonstrated resilience, leadership, and a commitment to upholding the values of justice and preparedness in Canada.is legal expertise, contributes to his effectiveness as a legislator and advocate for positive change.