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The police union in Ontario is once again criticizing the Kingston Police Services Board after suspended Deputy Chief Matt Funnell showed up on the Sunshine List, making over $280,000 last year.
Funnell ranked as the second-highest earner on the city’s list, bringing in more than $281,000. He has been on paid leave from his position since late 2024. In February, the board shared that Funnell had started “pre-retirement leave” and plans to officially retire at the end of 2026. However, they haven’t publicly explained why he’s been absent for such a long time.
The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) released a statement expressing strong disappointment regarding the board’s ongoing lack of transparency concerning this high-ranking officer.
“Sixteen months have passed, yet the Board continues to withhold meaningful information regarding the suspension of Deputy Chief Matt Funnell,” PAO president Mark Baxter said in a statement. “This ongoing silence further erodes public trust and fuels frustration. While the Board demands transparency from others, it has not held itself to the same standard. The Kingston community deserves clear answers and genuine accountability-not silence.”
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1:58 POLICE UNION CRITICIZES SILENCE AS KINGSTON’S DEPUTY CHIEF RETIRES
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Board chair Greg Ridge defended their silence by pointing out strict provincial rules.
“Due to [the] Board’s responsibilities under employment and privacy regulations, we will not comment on the specific circumstances of Deputy Chief Funnell’s suspension,” Ridge said in a written response.
Ridge also addressed inquiries about Funnell’s pay increase, explaining he worked most of 2024 as an inspector before being promoted to deputy chief in September that same year. He was suspended two months later in November.
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1:58 POLICE UNION CRITICIZES SILENCE AS KINGSTON’S DEPUTY CHIEF RETIRES
More on Canada More videos
Board chair Greg Ridge defended their silence by pointing out strict provincial rules.
“Due to [the] Board’s responsibilities under employment and privacy regulations, we will not comment on the specific circumstances of Deputy Chief Funnell’s suspension,” Ridge said in a written response.
Ridge also addressed inquiries about Funnell’s pay increase, explaining he worked most of 2024 as an inspector before being promoted to deputy chief in September that same year. He was suspended two months later in November.
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Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won’t miss a trending story. “This difference in positions will account for some of the discrepancies in pay reported from 2024 to 2025 on the Sunshine List,” Ridge said, adding that reported amounts can include elements beyond base salary, such as standard contractual entitlements. Ridge mentioned that the board takes transparency and accountability seriously and will share information “when possible within the boundaries of our obligations.” & copy 2026 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.Source link
