Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Chief Brent Duguay was officially sworn into his new leadership role in front of family and colleagues during a ceremony held at city hall earlier today.
Duguay has had extensive experience in investigations and drug enforcement over the course of his three-decade career, including a number of joint forces operations involving drugs and organized crime with other agencies across the province.
The second-generation officer was appointed as the Sault’s chief of police in August, after assuming the role of deputy chief following the departure of former chief Hugh Stevenson.
“It's the only job I ever wanted. I never thought I'd get to this position,” Duguay said during the ceremony.
“It is the honour of my life to be here today.”
Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said the city is fortunate to have Duguay serve the community as the city’s police chief.
“You bring experience, insight, and a deep understanding of what effective community based policing looks like,” Shoemaker said.
“I have every confidence that under your leadership, the service will continue its proud tradition of professionalism while embracing innovation and continuous improvement.”
Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Board Chair Nuala Kenny thanked Duguay for taking on the “very formidable role” as leader of the police service.
“You know, there is a saying that says smooth waters do not a skilled sailor make — and chief, you've had only rough waters,” Kenny said.
“During that time, you maintained a level of calm and dignity — and I would say, just a pleasant demeanour — and it made everything so much smoother for the board, for the staff and for the community, whether you actually realize it or not.”
The opioid crisis and the drug trade will be top priority for the police service under Duguay's watch, the chief told reporters following the ceremony.
“My background is in investigations and drug enforcement, and so my focus will be on enforcement with compassion for what we're seeing in our community with the homelessness and addiction,” said Duguay.
“Certainly we're going to be out there more visible [and] very active in the community.
“My hope is that we can start engaging more with the community members and our community partners to start bringing this community to a place where I think we need to be in the future.”
Sault Police is also expected to present its proposed budget — representing an 11-per-cent increase in police spending for 2026 — to city council in the coming weeks.
Duguay said all of the things the city was looking for in terms of responsibility and accountability are built into the upcoming budget.
“There needs to be a bit of a new base for that budget, because we constantly can't be kind of working from behind,” Dugay said.
“I do believe it's a responsible budget, and we'll present it in that way — and then hopefully, council sees it our way.”