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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.