The assumption is simple: leading a major metropolitan police force demands the highest compensation. But in Canada, that’s not the case. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah quietly holds the title of the country’s highest-paid police chief – a distinction earned despite overseeing a region with less than half the population of Toronto.
Duraiappah assumed command in October 2019. By 2020, his total compensation reached $311,254. However, the numbers have since surged. Recent data reveals a salary of $604,449, coupled with $7,229 in benefits, bringing his total earnings to a staggering $611,668 in 2025.
This represents a remarkable 25.9% increase from the previous year. More than just topping the list for police chiefs, Duraiappah ranks as the 58th highest-paid public sector employee in Ontario. The disparity is stark: his earnings eclipse those of Ontario’s Premier and even Canada’s Prime Minister.
The high salaries aren’t limited to the Chief’s office. Duraiappah’s five deputy chiefs, including one civilian, also command significant paychecks. Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich earned a total of $496,580, exceeding the compensation of Niagara Regional Police Chief Bill Fordy – who earned $492,693 – by nearly $4,000.
Collectively, the six members of Peel Regional Police’s leadership team amassed $2,256,297 in 2025. This raises questions about resource allocation within the force, particularly given ongoing concerns about gun violence, home invasions, and fraud within the Peel Region.
Looking at the broader Golden Horseshoe area, York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween earned $488,509, a 9.7% increase, and is set to retire in June. Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner followed with $473,182, a substantial 12.2% jump. Even the OPP Commissioner, Thomas Carrique, saw a significant 28.3% increase, reaching $469,031.
In contrast, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw earned $458,250 – a 13% increase – but still falls $153,418 short of Duraiappah’s total compensation. Interestingly, Toronto’s force is structured differently, serving a population of 3.3 million with a leadership team of four, compared to Peel’s team of six overseeing 1.6 million residents.
The Toronto Police Service also boasts nearly double the number of uniformed and non-uniformed members compared to Peel, yet the total cost of their leadership team is significantly lower – $1,428,724, a difference of $827,573 compared to Peel’s leadership expenses.
Considering a standard 40-hour work week, Duraiappah’s salary equates to over $290 per hour, or more than $11,600 weekly. This surpasses the earnings of many medical doctors in Ontario. The contrast is particularly poignant when compared to the province’s minimum wage, set to rise to just $17.95 per hour in October.
While police chiefs undoubtedly face demanding roles, the financial realities highlight a widening gap between leadership compensation and the earnings of everyday citizens. The numbers invite scrutiny and a deeper examination of how public funds are allocated within these vital institutions.
Here's a snapshot of 2025 salaries for police chiefs in the Golden Horseshoe: Nishan Duraiappah (Peel) - $611,668; Bill Fordy (Niagara) - $492,693; Jim MacSween (York) - $488,509; Stephen Tanner (Halton) - $473,182; Thomas Carrique (OPP) - $469,031; Myron Demkiw (Toronto) - $458,250; Frank Bergen (Hamilton) - $431,193; Peter Moreira (Durham) - $361,443.
