Hours before a Friday night debate, Olivia Chow aimed a new campaign attack at rival John Tory, saying he may be required to declare conflicts of interest on key city matters, including the possible expansion of the Toronto island airport.
The candidate’s son, John Tory Jr. is CEO of a private airline company with an office at Billy Bishop Airport, which has been the subject of ongoing debate as Toronto council decides whether to allow jets to fly into the airport.
Chow said Tory’s potential conflicts are not limited to the island airport, as he also sits on the board for other corporations that in the future may have municipal business interests.
“Either we have a mayor who is in conflict or we have a lame duck mayor who can’t participate in major decisions,” Chow said.
Tory said if he’s elected mayor, he will “follow all of the rules.”
Doug Ford also weighed in, demanding that Tory reveal his position on the Toronto island airport expansion.
For his part, Tory said he is waiting to see a report on the potential expansion.
During a debate on seniors issues, Tory also vowed to resign from his board positions if elected mayor, and he said he would seek advice from the city’s integrity commissioner regarding his stock holdings.
