Toronto: In a letter to Premier Doug Ford and Ontario’s Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark, more than half of the Members of the Toronto City Council requested that Bill 39 be reconsidered, which gives John Tory ‘strong powers’.
“We have considered Bill 39 and it has no place in democracy,” said Davenport Coun. Alejandra Bravo, one of the 15 councillors from 15 signatories to the letter.
“Who works in every board, every agency, non-government, corporation and every assembly with one-third of the vote as opposed to the majority,” Bravo said.
Each of the councillors said they were concerned that business at Toronto city hall could be done at Toronto City Hall and in many cases their opinions would be of no value. This can lead to misuse of power and the entire balance will be disturbed.
University-Rosedale Coun. Dianne Saxe said, said that by writing this letter, they are asking to stop the province from passing the bill.
Mayor John Tory said in a statement after the letter was shared that he had demonstrated his style and approach to work for the past eight years and there would be no change in that.
He said that he will continue to work with the council to run the work smoothly.
Tory said that although provincial changes to Queen’s Park will be approved this week, he will try to get the council’s consent on each issue.