15 Toronto city councillors voice concern over strong mayor powers in letter to province
More than a dozen Toronto councillors, representing a majority of city council, have signed an open letter to the Ontario government expressing their concern about legislation giving more powers to the mayor.
In the letter addressed to Premier Doug Ford and Housing Minister Steve Clark, 15 councillors asked them to reconsider passing Bill 39 or the Better Municipal Governance Act 2022.
They said their main concern is how the bill would end majority rule at city council. Bill 39, which is making its way through Queen's Park, would allow Mayor John Tory to propose and amend bylaws deemed provincial priorities with just over one-third of council support.
"Bill 39 is moving quickly through the Ontario Legislature and is expected to pass this week, but Toronto City Council has not had an opportunity to debate or consult with residents on this fundamental change in our governance," the councillors wrote.
"We are writing you today because we are concerned that we have not had a chance for input on the governance of our city or to weigh in on the impacts on the checks and balances of power that would result from the loss of majority rule at Toronto City Council."
Councillors who signed the letter include Gord Perks, Josh Matlow, Anthony Perruzza, Mike Colle, Paula Fletcher, Jaye Robinson, Shelley Carroll and Michael Thompson.
First-time councillors Amber Morley, Ausma Malik, Alejandra Bravo, Dianne Saxe, Chris Moise, Lily Cheng and Jamaal Myers also signed the letter.
Carroll, Morley, and Cheng sit on Tory’s hand picked executive committee. Thompson, meanwhile, served as Tory’s deputy mayor in the last term of council.
The councillors pointed out to the province that a motion was passed in July asking the government to consult with the city if it plans to grant more powers to the mayor.
"We are committed to the relationship with the Province of Ontario as outlined in Part I of the City of Toronto Act 2006: one that is based on 'mutual respect, consultation, and cooperation," the councillors wrote.
"Toronto City Council should be governed by majority rule, and any changes to Toronto's governance should be decisions made by City Council and local residents."
Councillor Perks sent a separate letter to Tory last week asking him to call a special meeting of council to debate Bill 39, saying it's necessary so that he and others can give input before it is passed.
“I respect councillors making their views known on this issue – as they do on many other issues. There will be a City staff report coming to City Council in a week to provide details on the province's Bill 3 and Bill 39. I look forward to an informed and respectful debate taking place at that time,” Tory said in a statement on Tuesday.
The mayor added that he will continue to work collaboratively with councillors to get things done.
“Even with the provincial changes set to be approved at Queen's Park this week, my determination to always try to reach a Council consensus on the issues our city faces remains steadfast,” Tory said.
During his opening remarks in last month's council meeting, Tory said every action he takes under the strong mayor legislation would be public and that he will only use the controversial veto on housing and transit matters of citywide importance.
Bill 39 will grant more authority to the city's chief magistrate in addition to the powers the province already gave in the fall.
Last week, Tory used those powers to appoint a new city manager.
With files from CTV News Toronto's Katherine DeClerq
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.