In an unprecedented move, Toronto City Council swiftly passed a motion on Thursday to revoke Nadine Spencer’s appointment to the Toronto Police Service Board, the governing body overseeing the largest municipal police force in the country. The decision was made without debate following mounting concerns and allegations surrounding Spencer’s conduct and the integrity of her business practices.

Expressing deep disappointment, Spencer reacted to the council’s decision in a statement to the media Thursday evening, denouncing it as “reckless” and stemming from what she described as months of baseless accusations against her.

Mayor Olivia Chow, addressing inquiries about the removal, declined to divulge specifics, citing confidentiality concerns. “City council aims to appoint an individual who can effectively serve the community,” Chow asserted during a news conference, sidestepping direct comment on the allegations against Spencer.

Former Toronto Police Board Chair Alok Mukherjee characterized the council’s action as unprecedented, noting he could not recall a similar instance where an appointee’s term was terminated before completion. John Sewell, coordinator of the Toronto Police Accountability Coalition and a former Toronto mayor, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the rarity of such a removal.

The decision to oust Spencer came on the heels of a CBC Toronto investigation revealing discrepancies in the employee listings of Spencer’s company, BrandEQ. Allegations surfaced that Spencer may have misrepresented or fabricated employees on the company’s websites. Spencer vehemently denied these allegations through statements issued by her lawyer.

Notably, Spencer’s tenure on the police board began in spring 2023 following her appointment by city council. Until her removal, she played a pivotal role as one of seven board members tasked with overseeing the operational and budgetary affairs of the Toronto Police Service.

In response to her removal, city council appointed Chris Brillinger to fill Spencer’s position on the police board until November 2026. Brillinger, currently serving as the executive director of Family Services Toronto, brings extensive experience in mental health and socioeconomic support services to the role.

The Toronto Police Service Board declined to comment on Spencer’s removal or the circumstances surrounding it, citing confidentiality and ongoing procedural considerations. As per provincial regulations, all board members are obligated to adhere to a strict code of conduct aimed at upholding public trust in both the board and the police service itself.