Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great Canadian lawman. I speak of Julian Fantino, Chief of the Toronto Police Service, who will retire from active police duty on February 28, 2005.
Chief Fantino was called to the police profession 36 years ago. He rose through the ranks of the Toronto police and established an extraordinary career: patrolman, investigator, division commander, and later Chief of the London Police Service, then Chief of York Regional Police and finally Metro Toronto's chief constable.
Chief Fantino served his city, province and country with integrity and courage. He called things as he saw them. In spite of the verbal attacks he often endured from his critics, he always stood tall, rose above his attackers and sought only the truth.
I thank Julian for his friendship and encouragement over the years. I express my thanks for his strong advocacy on behalf of children and for fighting child sexual exploitation. Finally, I express our thanks for his commitment to public service and the safety of all Canadians. May God bless him in his future endeavours.