John Tory remains in office ahead of Toronto budget debate Wednesday

Toronto Mayor John Tory, who stunned the city with his admission of an affair with a former staffer, remains in office today despite announcing a plan to resign.

His office says that's because Tory will be working to ensure the city's budget - the first he has proposed under new “strong mayor” powers - gets approved.

Council meets to debate the budget on Wednesday, a process that could ultimately take weeks.

Tory, 68, said Friday that he would be stepping down after revealing that he had an “inappropriate relationship” with someone who used to work on his staff but has since left.

The announcement initially raised many questions about how the city would proceed with the budget, which includes controversial boosts to policing and cuts to transit service.

Tory remaining at the city helm while council discusses the budget means he still holds powers that give him a veto over changes council makes and the ability to push through the fiscal plan with only one-third of council support.

If Tory does veto a council change, it could add weeks to the budget process.

If council amends the budget, the mayor has up to 10 days to exercise his veto, according to budget scenarios published by the city. After that, council then has up to 15 days to vote to override the veto.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 14, 2023.