Why Tory is stepping down and what happens next
On Friday, February 10, Toronto mayor John Tory announced his resignation from office. Earlier the same day, the Toronto Star broke the news of his relationship with a former member of his staff. As of writing this, the 31-year-old woman has not yet provided comment to other news organisations, but Tory admitted that “permitting this relationship to develop was a serious error in judgement on my part.”
Upon reception of a formal resignation, the city council is set to declare the mayor’s seat vacant. When the city council does receive a formal resignation, they will need to declare the mayor’s seat vacant. This could happen as soon as Wednesday, February 15, when the councillors will discuss the 2023 budget. Once the seat is declared vacant, the city must pass a bylaw to hold a byelection within 60 days, according to the City of Toronto Act. The city clerk will then set a date for candidates to file nominations, and the election will take place 45 days after nomination day. In the meantime, Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie will fill the position.
Previously, the city would appoint a new mayor instead of holding an election, but the strong mayor powers introduced by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government require an election. In September 2022, Ontario passed Bill 39, which changes the powers of mayors in Toronto and Ottawa. This allows mayors to veto council decisions, hire and dismiss senior staff, and have more control over the city budget. In December 2022, this was extended with Bill 39, allowing mayors to pass bylaws with only one-third of councillors in favour. While veto powers are not unheard of in Western democracies, the most recent change came as a shock to many, as majority vote is typically the minimum requirement.
Ford’s government says that the minority rule is intended to further provincial priorities of creating more housing to address the affordability crisis. However, councillors, opinionists, and other political leaders pushed back against the decision. Interim Ontario NDP leader Peter Tabuns argues that this legislation will not solve the housing crisis and that it is rather an “attack on democracy.” Prior to resigning, Tory said he would use the new powers in a limited and responsible way.
Tory’s resignation raises questions about the city’s budget, which has not yet been approved. His plan had received criticism from the public for proposing an increase in property taxes, as well as increasing the police budget. The 5.5 percent increase in property taxes, as well as a 1.5 percent increase in the city building fund, is intended to sustain frontline services and invest in public safety, transit, and emergency services. The 5.5 percent increase is below Toronto’s 6.6 percent inflation rate, in accordance with Tory’s pledge to keep taxes below inflation. However, residents are still concerned about the increase in living costs, given that living in Toronto is already expensive; 2022 saw a record number of people using Toronto-area food banks, many of whom have jobs. Meanwhile, the police budget increase is intended to improve response times to 911 calls. Some residents say that the money would be better spent on the city’s community crisis service, which dispatches mental health workers, instead of funding more armed police. It remains to be seen what the council will do with the budget plan following the mayor’s resignation.
In preparation for the expected election, Ontario PCs are looking for a solid candidate. Although mayoral candidates do not run with a specific party, many have connections to federal or provincial parties. An unnamed senior political organiser who spoke to CBC News says they will “make sure there’s only one credible centre-right candidate,” adding that conservatives are concerned that a left-wing candidate could win if conservatives split the vote. Several sources named Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford and Willowdale MPP Stan Cho as likely candidates. Gil Penalosa, who finished second in the 2022 municipal election, also announced his intention to run, with plans to make Toronto more “affordable, equitable, and sustainable for everyone.”
The last election had 31 candidates to choose from, so Torontonians can likely expect more announcements and campaigns from potential candidates in the near future.
