Council to debate strong mayor powers
Author of the article:Antonella Artuso
Publishing date:Jul 20, 2022 • 15 hours ago • 1 minute read • 23 Comments
A provincial plan to give Toronto and Ottawa “strong mayor” powers would limit council’s ability to hold the mayor’s power in check, a motion from Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow says.
Premier Doug Ford, as first reported by the Toronto Star, is planning to provide the mayors of the province’s two largest cities with additional authority.
Ford later clarified that the mayors would have a veto over decisions that two-third of council could overturn.
Currently, the mayors have one vote equal to all other members of council.
“Such a move would erode democracy by stifling local advocacy on the most important issues affecting Torontonians,” Matlow’s motion says. “That’s why this motion sends a strong message to the provincial government that city council does not support a ‘strong mayor’ system in Toronto with legislation that includes a veto over the city’s budget or other items before council, or any other legislative measure that would grant additional mayoral powers over city affairs than what is already granted under the City of Toronto Act.”
Council agreed to allow Matlow to introduce his motion Wednesday, which means it will be debated during this week’s meeting.
Municipalities are called “creatures” of the province, having only the power that the senior level of government gives to them.
Mayor John Tory said he believes the city should have more autonomy, and noted the discussion around stronger mayor powers has been going on for 20 years.
While he supports the potential new powers, Tory said he would retain his consultative approach.
Councillor Mike Layton tweeted that the province should provide “new powers to pay for the city we want and deserve.”
Councillor Gord Perks tweeted, “I am absolutely horrified that our Mayor is casually going along with a reduction in democratic access and accountability.”
aartuso@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Antonella Artuso
Publishing date:Jul 20, 2022 • 15 hours ago • 1 minute read • 23 Comments
A provincial plan to give Toronto and Ottawa “strong mayor” powers would limit council’s ability to hold the mayor’s power in check, a motion from Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow says.
Premier Doug Ford, as first reported by the Toronto Star, is planning to provide the mayors of the province’s two largest cities with additional authority.
Ford later clarified that the mayors would have a veto over decisions that two-third of council could overturn.
Currently, the mayors have one vote equal to all other members of council.
“Such a move would erode democracy by stifling local advocacy on the most important issues affecting Torontonians,” Matlow’s motion says. “That’s why this motion sends a strong message to the provincial government that city council does not support a ‘strong mayor’ system in Toronto with legislation that includes a veto over the city’s budget or other items before council, or any other legislative measure that would grant additional mayoral powers over city affairs than what is already granted under the City of Toronto Act.”
Council agreed to allow Matlow to introduce his motion Wednesday, which means it will be debated during this week’s meeting.
Municipalities are called “creatures” of the province, having only the power that the senior level of government gives to them.
Mayor John Tory said he believes the city should have more autonomy, and noted the discussion around stronger mayor powers has been going on for 20 years.
While he supports the potential new powers, Tory said he would retain his consultative approach.
Councillor Mike Layton tweeted that the province should provide “new powers to pay for the city we want and deserve.”
Councillor Gord Perks tweeted, “I am absolutely horrified that our Mayor is casually going along with a reduction in democratic access and accountability.”
aartuso@postmedia.com
Council to debate strong mayor powers
Giving Toronto and Ottawa "strong mayor" powers would limit council's ability to hold the mayor's power in check, a motion says.
