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Ontario’s police union is renewing its criticism of the Kingston Police Services Board after suspended Deputy Chief Matt Funnell appeared on the Sunshine List, earning more than $280,000 last year.
Funnell was the second-highest earner on the city’s list, taking home more than $281,000. He has been on paid leave from his role since late 2024. In February, the board announced Funnell had begun “pre-retirement leave” and will officially retire at the end of 2026. However, it has never publicly explained the reason for his extended absence.
The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) issued a statement expressing deep disappointment over the board’s persistent lack of transparency regarding the 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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Police union criticizes silence as Kingston’s deputy chief retires
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Police services board chair Greg Ridge defended the board’s silence, citing strict provincial guidelines.
“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 questions about Funnell’s compensation bump, noting he served most of 2024 as an inspector before being promoted to deputy chief in September of that year. He was suspended in November, two months later.
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“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 the reported amounts can include elements beyond base salary, such as standard contractual entitlements.
Ridge said the board takes transparency and accountability seriously and will provide information “when possible within the boundaries of our obligations.”
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