Hours after being voted in as North Etobicoke Ward 1’s new city councillor, Rosemarie Byran resigned after several alleged past posts considered homophoic were unearthed.  

Bryan presented her speech for nomination in a city council meeting in late June, highlighting her work in the community as well as a key endorsement from outgoing Ward 1 councillor, Michael Ford - the nephew of Ontario Premier Doug Ford. 

Michael Ford was named Premier Ford's minister of citizenship and multiculturalism when the new cabinet was introduced last week.

Bryan received 21 of 23 ballots cast in the recent meeting, and was one of three candidates that spoke to the council. Votes for Bryan included one from Toronto Mayor John Tory. 

The alleged posts that led to Bryan's resignation were posted on social media by Jonathan Goldsbie of Canadaland.  Goldsbie wrote on Twitter that city council voted in an individual during Pride month that has shared several anti-LGBTQ messages on Facebook. 

Several of the posts contain messages that are considered offensive to the 2SLGBTQ+ and racialized communities, including alleged references to sexual orientation.

Bryan responded with her own statement announcing her resignation. She writes that the posts are "being thrown against her" after decades of her commitment to the community of Etobicoke.

Despite resigning, Bryan did not offer an apology, instead writing that she does not want anyone feeling loved or welcome in the community.

Many who voted for Bryan, including Toronto Centre's Ward 13 city councillor Robin Buxton-Potts, announced on their social media platforms that they would have not voted for Bryan if the posts were available prior to the council meeting.

CJRU reached out to Bryan, Buxton-Potts and the office of mayor Tory for comment. No responses were given at this time.

Ward 1's council seat remains vacant as of July 4, with a new vote being planned soon.

More details to come.

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