Michael Kerzner says the new powers in the province's recent omnibus legislation will be used to align local police priorities with what the province wants to prioritize.

Kerzner says it's a mechanism to better communicate with police boards, but says he will not be directing police.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles says she's concerned about Kerzner's new powers.

The solicitor general tabled Bill 119 earlier this week that also gives new arrest powers to transit officers and bans future purchases of Chinese-made drones.

The bill also proposes to allow for the creation of a website that will name high-risk offenders who are being released from jail or prison and allow restraining orders filed in other provinces to be enforced in Ontario.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2026.