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Bill amendments for strong mayor system quietly pass despite council’s continued disapproval

A person in a grey suit with a blue tie is extending his left hand as he speaks inside a chamber.
Mayor Tory said his focus remains on the city's top priorities as the strong mayor powers become official. Photo by Toronto City Council.
Daniel Centeno - CJRU - Toronto • ON | 31-12-2022
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Two bills associated with expanded powers for Toronto Mayor John Tory have officially passed despite dissapproval by the majority of city councillors and the public. 

Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, and Bill 39, the Better Muncipal Governance Act, allows Tory to continue to pass bills with one third of council support, as well as have some veto power in certain votes. 

Earlier this month, 15 of the city’s 25 councillors voted to request reconsideration of the system with a letter sent to Ontario Premier Doug Ford. 

This symbolic resolution was passed in council with the majority of councillors presenting petitions from their constituents opposing the system. 

Earlier this month, Tory reiterated his plans to use the system to end political gridlock in council and help pass bills that will help tackle the city’s housing crisis, rebuilding the city budget, transit and expanding the police budget. 

In an exclusive interview with CBC, Tory said councillors who oppose the strong mayor system have made their point and that "it’s time to move on." 

Further, Tory said review and amendments to the strong mayor system can be considered at a future time as well. 

Tory’s most vocal critic, Ward 12 Toronto-St.Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow, continues to voice his criticism of the mayor’s acceptance of the expanded powers. 

Recent council meetings saw the councillor and mayor argue during motion votes and at moments when their microphones were off. 

"Today, the recent amendments to the City of Toronto Act and the associated regulations arising from both Bill 3 & Bill 39 will be in effect," Matlow tweeted on Dec.20.  "The basic tenet of democracy, majority rule, is no longer the law of the land in Toronto. This is shameful and cannot be allowed to stand." 

The strong mayor system was first introduced by Premier Ford this past summer outside of Queen's Park. The system was a focal point of the Ontario election in October, and was finally introduced on Nov.15 when councillors and Tory returned to city hall for the new term.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced in early December that he would reject the strong mayor powers. 

More details to come.

Listen to CJRU's coverage of the strong mayor system update:

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