A Toronto city councillor facing an impaired driving charge says she intends to plead not guilty.
Ana Bailao shared her decision Wednesday during a brief news conference at City Hall.
“I want to be absolutely clear: these charges will in no way affect my ability to do the job I was elected to do,” the first-term councillor told reporters.
Police had arrested Bailao early Tuesday morning near the downtown intersection of Bathurst and Harbord Streets. She declined to comment on how many drinks she had that night.
Several of Bailao’s colleagues were present for her news conference, including Councillors Doug Ford, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Paula Fletcher and Josh Matlow.
Bailao concluded by thanking everyone that has contacted her to express their support. “I am confident I will be able to demonstrate their faith in me is not misplaced,” she said.
On the advice of her lawyer, Bailao declined further comment.
Bailao, 36, was elected to represent the west-end Ward 18 Davenport in 2010.
She will face the charges in court in December.
With files from CTV Toronto's Natalie Johnson
