Former Ottawa police chief Vern White resigns from Senate
Former Ottawa police chief Vern White is leaving the Senate about a decade after being appointed to the job.
White’s office said he is resigning effective Sunday.
The 63-year-old was eligible to serve in the Senate until 2034, when he turns 75. But White said Thursday it was never his plan to serve until the mandatory retirement age.
“When I came to the Senate I said that I would not serve until 75. At the time I’d anticipated six to nine years,” he told CTV News. “COVID kind of pushed me an extra year, so it’s 10 years.
“I think I’ll find something else that gives me some passion, and the Senate right now is not doing it.”
Then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed White to the Red Chamber in 2012. Before then, White was the Ottawa police chief for five years, and served as Durham police chief and for many years in the RCMP before that.
White said he’s not leaving the Senate unhappy, saying the role gave him “a great level of enjoyment.”
“I think the Senate is operating as well or even better than it has in the past,” he said. “I’m not leaving dissatisfied. It’s just time to find something I’m passionate about.”
White said he is moving to northern Finland, where his family has had a home for over a decade and his wife and daughter remain. The family spent the summer there and his daughter is enrolled in a local school.
White said he plans to do some guest lecturing and consulting.
“For now, it’s a place for us to rest our heads and enjoy life.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.