York Regional Police Service Board
Appoints New Deputy Chief
July 9, 2026
The York Regional Police Service Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Superintendent Ahmad Salhia as the new Deputy Chief for York Regional Police, effective July 8, 2026.
Deputy Chief Designate Salhia has more than 23 years of policing experience, having served with York Regional Police in a variety of operational and executive leadership roles. Most recently, as Superintendent of Executive Services, he has provided strategic leadership overseeing the organization's Strategic Services, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Quality Assurance, and Marketing, Communications and Brand functions, helping to advance innovation, organizational performance and public trust.
“Deputy Chief Designate Salhia is a highly respected leader whose experience, integrity and dedication to public service make him exceptionally well-suited for this role,” said Board Chair Steve Pellegrini. “The Board is confident that he will continue to provide outstanding leadership, foster continued collaboration with our communities and partners, and help advance the organization's commitment to community safety, accountability and service excellence.”
“I am pleased to welcome Deputy Chief Designate Salhia to our Executive Leadership Team,” said Chief Paulo Da Silva. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to our members and the communities we serve. He is a respected and trusted leader who leads with integrity, builds trusted relationships, and inspires confidence through collaboration, professionalism, and accountability. His extensive investigative and operational experience, strategic perspective, and genuine commitment to service excellence will be invaluable as we continue to meet the evolving needs of our growing and diverse communities. I have every confidence that he will make a significant contribution to our service as we continue delivering the exceptional policing our communities expect and deserve.'
Throughout his career, Deputy Chief Designate Salhia has championed innovation, evidence-based policing and meaningful community engagement. While in command of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, he oversaw complex investigations targeting firearms trafficking, organized crime and drug enforcement. He also played a key role in developing collaborative approaches to addressing substance use, gang prevention and community safety through partnerships with municipal, provincial and community organizations.
Deputy Chief Designate Salhia also served as Inspector of #4 District in Vaughan, where he led policing operations for one of York Region's largest and most diverse communities. Under his leadership, the district implemented initiatives recognized both provincially and internationally, including strategies to combat auto theft and illegal car rallies.
He currently serves as Senior Sponsor and co-chair of the York Regional Police Interfaith Council. He co-chairs the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Substance Advisory Committee, where he has helped shape provincial approaches to substance use, diversion and prevention while strengthening partnerships with health, Indigenous and community organizations. Deputy Chief Designate Salhia also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Addiction Services of Central Ontario.
“I am honoured by the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chief of York Regional Police,” said Deputy Chief Designate Salhia. “I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by the Police Service Board. It is a privilege to support Chief Da Silva and to work alongside the Executive Leadership Team to ensure our members are supported, healthy, and prepared to protect York Region. I look forward to collaborating with our internal associations, our strong community partners, and our residents as we continue to build a safe, inclusive, and thriving community. Together, we will strengthen public trust, support our members, and deliver exceptional policing services.”
Contact:
Jaclyn Kogan, Interim Executive Director, Police Service Board
psb@yrp.ca, 1-866-876-5423 ext. 3000
The Regional Municipality of York Police Service Board is a seven-member civilian Board that oversees and governs the York Regional Police. A municipal Board is comprised of one member as Head of Municipal Council or other appointed member of council; three members are appointed by resolution of Regional Council and three by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
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