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Majority of Toronto city councillors ask province, Tory to reconsider strong mayor system

A person with a suit and large gold chain on. They are standing with a small desk in front. The background is dark brown.
During his address to the new city council in November, Tory acknowledged the strong mayor system, but did not reject its new powers. Photo courtesy of Toronto City Hall.
Daniel Centeno - CJRU - Toronto • ON | 09-12-2022
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Several city councillors are writing to Ontario Premier Doug Ford and the office of Toronto Mayor John Tory to oppose the introduction of the strong mayor system. 

Bill 39, called the Better Municipal Governance Act, allows Tory to pass legislation without a majority vote from city council. 

The bill is expected to be passed later this week.

A letter signed by 15 city councillors reads that the council asked Ford to allow them time to assess the strong mayor system prior to its implementation. 

Further, the letter states that the council did not have time to debate or consult with residents on this fundamental change to municipal government procedures. 

Black text with signatures on a white background.

The letter signed by 15 councillors was delivered to the offices of Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor John Tory. Photo courtesy of Josh Matlow.

Coun. Matlow, who represents Ward 12 Toronto - St.Pauls, continues to be openly critical of Tory’s acceptance of the strong mayor powers. 

On Nov.23, Matlow questioned Tory about the system and how it negatively affects the democratic process and is a disservice to the chamber of elected officials

Matlow asked Tory to rescind his new powers during the meeting.

Tory said to the Ward 12 councillor that there will be a report forthcoming, however he did not reject the strong mayor powers.

Since the meeting, Matlow continues to tweet about his opposition to Tory’s increased powers. 

One particular thread pointed out the hiring of a new city manager without the consultation of approval of city council  However, the manager is now essentially just an employee of the mayor. 

CJRU reached out to Coun. Matlow for comment, and are awaiting a response. 

The strong mayor  system was first proposed by Premier Ford over the summer to give cities like Toronto and Ottawa the opportunity to pass legislation without majority of counc votes - giving Tory expanded powers was heavily criticized by several  city council candidates in the lead up to the Toronto election in October. 

Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe told the media this month that he will not use the strong mayor powers.

Tory said he is determined to end political gridlock of the past on the key issues affecting the city, with affordable housing being on the top of his list. 

 More details to come. 

Listen to CJRU's coverage of Bill 39:

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