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.”
Police services board chair Greg Ridge defended the board’s silence, citing strict provincial guidelines.
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.”
Wonder why our country is running on printed money? A corrupt system that is destroying the middle class, and laws that make no sense that effect and cost this country. Corruption runs deep in all areas of government now. Even in those who are suppose to protect us. I never would have imagined growing up the world would end up in direction were heading.
Another waste of skin that doesn’t pay tax, just pockets tax in huge amounts.
No wonder the citizens of Kingston do not trust the police. This needs to be brought to the public.
Not where I want my tax dollars to go.
He needs to retire immediately.
Thats rich the police calling for transparency
That is shameful .he shouldn’t have received a dime .not what you know but who you know .disgusting
Why was he suspended? Why did he get a raise when he isn’t working? Transparency? What is being withheld from taxpayers? Disgusting abuse of power!
Hmmm not only is he still being paid but the Kingston Police have never given an explanation as to why he was suspended in the 1st place and now its seems he is being allowed to peacefully retire with the whole thing being swept under the rug
It’s funny that we keep paying for the cops that are under suspension usually for a crime they have committed but a regular person wouldn’t get same treatment we wouldn’t get suspended with pay we would be fired
Can’t trust the police when well people realize they are the government muscle both of them are the biggest criminals in the world people start realizing this
Looks like a diddler.
We the taxpayer deserve transparency.
Like what realy. What was he suspended for. Was there not charges or jail time. If the public servant is hidden from the truth how can we trust the city police ?? Cover up or worse. Wow. What bad judgement . Who is realy in charge.