The Ontario government says there was ‘zero’ political interference in Monday’s firing of OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair. Community Safety Minister Sylvia Jones says the decision was made by the public service commission. However, the recommendation on Blair’s firing to the public service came from a deputy minister who is Taverner’s old boss. Blair has asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the hiring of Toronto police Superintendent Ron Taverner, a friend of Premier Doug Ford. Blair is also threatening to sue Ford, alleging defamation. Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath  says the firing appears to be a government attempt to silence a critic.