Two Removed from Order of Merit

Summary#

The Canada Gazette published a notice that two appointments to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces were terminated by an Ordinance signed by the Governor General on January 24, 2025. The affected people are Superintendent Robert Scott Baptist (Toronto Police Service) and Police Chief Terry R. McCaffrey (Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service). The notice appeared on March 15, 2025.

What it does#

• Removes the appointments of:
  • Superintendent Robert Scott Baptist (Toronto Police Service), and
  • Police Chief Terry R. McCaffrey (Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service)
• Records that the terminations were made by Ordinance signed by the Governor General on January 24, 2025.
• Publishes the change in the official honours notice in the Canada Gazette on March 15, 2025.

Who's affected#

• The two named officers and their employers: Toronto Police Service and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service.
• The community of people who are members of or follow the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
• It is unclear from the notice whether there are any wider legal or administrative consequences beyond the removal of the appointments.

Why it matters#

• Being removed from the Order of Merit of the Police Forces changes official recognition. The two individuals are no longer listed as appointees of that honour.
• The change may matter to the police services involved and to communities that follow police honours and accountability.
• The Gazette notice does not explain the reason for the terminations, so anyone wanting more detail would need to contact the relevant offices or look for further announcements.