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City Council discusses alternatives to Ford’s divisive strong mayor proposal

A person with grey hair wearing a black suit and light blue shirt stands in front of a blue background with white and green text.
Mayor Tory said he would be open to accepting Premier Ford's extension of mayoral powers on July 20, but has not commented on the ongoing backlash against the proposal from city council. Photo courtesy of John Tory's Twitter account.
Daniel Centeno - CJRU - Toronto • ON | 27-07-2022
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While Toronto Mayor John Tory said he would accept expanded powers from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the decision continues to receive strong criticism from several city councillors, who are discussing new alternatives on the matter.

Following Ford's announcement to the media of his plan to provide "strong mayor" powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa last week, city councillor members continue to support a motion calling on the province of Ontario to not implement the new system and that any new election provisions and changes should be decided by the vote of the council.

The motion was put forth by Ward 12 Toronto-St.Paul councillor Josh Matlow following a July 20 council meeting.

Among the more divisive proposals in a potential strong mayor system is the ability of the mayor to veto decisions voted on by city council. As it currently stands, Tory's vote is equal to that of the 25 councillors. Ford did not get into specifics, but did mention that a 66 per cent vote by councillors can veto a mayor's decision.

During a July 22 meeting, councillors discussed the possibility of altering Ford's proposal to allow "more power as a city, not for one person."

A preliminary framework includes additional transparency and opportunities for debate on how a new system will operate.

One of the more vocal supporters for reframing Ford's decision is Parkdale-High Park councillor Gord Perks. Coun. Perks was one of the first councillors to support the motion put forth by Coun.Matlow.

Tory, who was present at the July 22 meeting, declined to comment on council's proposals. As of July 27, Tory has yet to comment on the new proposal.

Detractors to the city council's proposal is the Toronto Region Board of Trade, who released a statement as well.

The board writes that "effective, timely solutions require a city chief executive with clear authority to set an agenda, appoint senior city staff, and being forward policy solutions to council with greater influence over outcomes."

To avoid gridlock on bills, the board is hoping for a strong mayor system that can continue after the next municipal election.

Toronto's municipal election is set for Oct.24 this fall.

Tory's willingness to accept strong mayor powers from Ford continues to receive backlash from city councillors and several advocacy groups across the city.

This includes tweets from Toronto Centre Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam and University-Rosedale Coun. Mike Layton. Wong-Tam writes that Tory is "happily playing along with Doug Ford.

Layton tweets,"The debate is not about Tory, not about left or right, not about efficiency, but about the possibility of power in the wrong hands without any recourse. It also strips Toronto communities of their representation in key debates."

CJRU reached out the city of Toronto city clerk, Coun. Perks, Coun. Wong-Tam and Coun.Layton for comment.

CJRU is awaiting a response.

More details to come.

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