Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is expected to appoint outgoing Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino to a senior emergency management position with the province this week, on the advice of Attorney General Michael Bryant, according to sources close to the Ontario Assembly.

The pro-BSL Fantino will take over the responsibilities of Dr. James Young, the former commissioner of emergency management, but his role may be expanded to include duties related to policing, a source said.

The announcement was expected at a press conference on Tuesday of this week at Toronto Police headquarters.

Asked by reporters about his future, Toronto's top cop said: "I can't say until they make the official announcement."

A spokesman for Mr McGuinty would not confirm or deny the report.

Fantino's last day on the job before taking up his new post will be February 28, ending a five-year reign as Toronto's police chief.