John Tory

John Howard Tory (born May 28, 1954) is a Canadian lawyer, broadcaster, businessman, and former politician who served as the 65th mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023. He served as leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario from 2005 to 2007 while he was leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario from 2004 to 2009.

After a career as a lawyer, political strategist and businessman, Tory ran as a mayoral candidate in the 2003 Toronto municipal election and lost to David Miller. Tory was subsequently elected as Ontario PC leader from 2004 to 2009, and was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario representing Dufferin—Peel—Wellington—Grey and serving as the leader of the Opposition in Ontario from 2005 to 2007. After his resignation as PC leader in 2009, Tory became a radio talk show host on CFRB. Despite widespread speculation, Tory did not run for mayor again in 2010. He was also the volunteer chair of the non-profit group CivicAction from 2010 to 2014.

On October 27, 2014, Tory was elected mayor of Toronto, defeating incumbent mayor Rob Ford's brother, councillor Doug Ford and former councillor and member of Parliament (MP) Olivia Chow. On October 22, 2018, he was re-elected mayor of Toronto in the 2018 mayoral election, defeating former chief city planner Jennifer Keesmaat.<ref> Template:Cite news</ref> He was elected to a third term as mayor on October 24, 2022, after defeating urbanist Gil Penalosa.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He announced his intention to imminently resign as mayor on February 10, 2023, after admitting to having an affair with a staffer during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=":15">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He submitted his resignation letter to the city clerk on February 15, and formally left office on February 17, at 5 p.m.<ref name=":16">Template:Cite news</ref> Tory was succeeded by Olivia Chow as mayor of Toronto.

Early life and education

John Howard Tory, the eldest of four, was born on May 28, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> to Elizabeth (née Bacon) and John A. Tory, president of Thomson Investments Limited and a director of Rogers Communications.<ref name="globeandmail04-09">Template:Cite news</ref> His grandfather was lawyer John S. D. Tory and his great-grandfather founded Sun Life of Canada.<ref name="thestar-childhood">Template:Cite web</ref>

He attended the University of Toronto Schools, at the time a publicly funded high school affiliated with the University of Toronto.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Trinity College at the University of Toronto in 1975.<ref name="DPSUofT">Template:Cite web</ref> He received his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1978 from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University.<ref name="bpowell" /> He was called to the bar in Ontario in 1980.<ref name="bpowell">Template:Cite web</ref>

Business and early political career

From 1972 to 1979, Tory was hired by family friend Ted Rogers as a journalist for Rogers Broadcasting's Toronto radio stations CFTR and CHFI. From 1980 to 1981, and later from 1986 to 1995, Tory held various positions at Tory, Tory, DesLauriers & Binnington including partner, managing partner, and member of the Executive Committee.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

From 1981 to 1985, Tory served in the office of the premier of Ontario, Bill Davis, as principal secretary to the premier and associate secretary of the cabinet. After Davis retired as premier in 1985, Tory joined the office of the Canadian Special Envoy on Acid Rain, as special advisor. The special envoy had been appointed by the Mulroney government to review matters of air quality with a United States counterpart. Tory supported Dianne Cunningham's bid to lead the Ontario PCs in 1990.<ref>Toronto Star, May 3, 1990.</ref>

Tory later served as tour director and campaign chairman to then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and managed the 1993 federal election campaign of Mulroney's successor, Kim Campbell. In his role as the Progressive Conservative campaign co-manager that year, he authorized two infamous campaign ads that ridiculed Liberal candidate Jean Chretien's face, which is partially paralyzed due to a childhood disease. The ads were greeted with much outcry among the Canadian public. They were withdrawn ten days after their first airings, and the Progressive Conservatives would proceed to be decimated in the federal election.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

From 1995 to 1999, he returned to Rogers Communications, but this time as president and CEO of Rogers Media<ref name=ontariopc>John Tory's profile on the Ontario PC Party website Template:Webarchive, ontariopc.com; accessed July 7, 2017.</ref> which had become one of Canada's largest publishing and broadcasting companies. Rogers has interests in radio and television stations, internet, specialty television channels, consumer magazines, trade magazines and, at the time, the Toronto Sun and the Sun newspaper chain.

In 1999, he became president and CEO of Rogers subsidiary Rogers Cable, which he led through a period of transition from a monopoly environment to an open marketplace, overseeing a significant increase in operating income. Tory stepped down after Ted Rogers announced that he would stay on as president and CEO of parent company Rogers Communications. He served as the ninth commissioner of the Canadian Football League from 1996 to 2000.<ref name="ontariopc"/> Tory later was a board member of Rogers between 2010 and 2014, stepping down to run for Mayor of Toronto.<ref name=":17">Template:Cite news</ref>

Tory continued to have an interest in being a broadcaster throughout his life and, as a Rogers executive, hosted a public affairs program on Rogers Cable's community access channel for many years. He sat as a board member of Metro Inc., the Quebec-based parent corporation for Metro and Food Basics grocery stores.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

First campaign for mayor (2003)

After six years as a key backer of retiring Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman, Tory ran in the November 2003 election for mayor of Toronto. He finished in second place, behind councillor David Miller and ahead of former mayor Barbara Hall, former councillor and MP John Nunziata, and former councillor and budget chief Tom Jakobek.

Tory and Miller both entered the race with limited name recognition and support, but each quickly claimed a core base—Miller among progressives and Tory among more conservative voters. Meanwhile, Hall's initially commanding lead slowly dissipated over the course of the campaign, and the campaigns of both Nunziata and Jakobek were sidelined by controversies.Template:Citation needed. One of his campaign co-chairs was Mitzie Hunter.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Tory also accepted an endorsement from the Toronto Police Association. He held the traditional suburban conservative vote that had helped to elect Mel Lastman in the 1997 mayor's campaign, but lost the overall vote to Miller in a close race. After the election, Tory helped Miller and Hall raise funds to repay their campaign debts.Template:Citation needed

Leader of the Ontario PC Party

Template:Further In March 2004, Tory hinted that he would be seeking the leadership of the Progressive Conservatives, after Ernie Eves announced his intention to resign from that post. The provincial PC leadership election was announced for September 18, 2004, and Tory made his candidacy official on May 6, 2004. John Laschinger was appointed to be Tory's campaign manager. Tory won the support of former provincial cabinet ministers Elizabeth Witmer, David Tsubouchi, Jim Wilson, Janet Ecker, Chris Hodgson, Cam Jackson, Phil Gillies and Bob Runciman as well as backbench members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) Norm Miller, Laurie Scott, Ted Arnott and John O'Toole.

Tory's opponents for the leadership post were former provincial minister of finance Jim Flaherty and Oak Ridges MPP Frank Klees. Tory defeated Flaherty with 54 per cent on the second ballot. When Flaherty later left provincial politics to seek a seat in the House of Commons as a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, Tory endorsed his former rival in the 2006 election; Flaherty was elected and was appointed the federal minister of finance. Tory also campaigned prominently with Flaherty's wife Christine Elliott in the provincial by-election held March 30, enabling her to win the seat formerly held by her husband.

Tory told the media in November 2004 that he would seek election to the legislature in time for the spring 2005 legislative session.

On January 31, 2005, after much public speculation and some delay, Ernie Eves resigned his seat and cleared the way for Tory to run in Dufferin—Peel—Wellington—Grey, the safest PC seat in the province. As a "parachute candidate", Tory faced some criticism about his commitment to the riding. Nevertheless, he easily won the March 17, 2005 by-election with 56 per cent of the vote. Former premier Bill Davis appeared for Tory's first session in the legislature as PC leader.

2007 Ontario general election

File:John Tory.jpg

Tory in Guelph, September 24, 2007

In the 2007 general election, Tory ran in the Toronto riding of Don Valley West, the area where he grew up, raised his family and lived most of his life.

Tory released his platform on June 9, 2007. The platform, A Plan for a Better Ontario, commits a PC government to eliminate the health care tax introduced by the previous government, put scrubbers on coal-fired power plants,<ref>Richard Brennan, Tory unveils $1.3B plan to clean Nanticoke smoke, Toronto Star, September 14, 2007.</ref> address Ontario's doctor shortage,<ref>Richard Brennan, Liberals haven't fixed MD shortage, says Tory, Toronto Star, September 12, 2007.</ref> allow new private health care partnerships provided services are paid by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP),<ref>Kerry Gillespie Tory sees private health role, Toronto Star, September 19, 2007.</ref> impose more penalties on illegal land occupations in response to the Caledonia land dispute,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> fast-track the building of nuclear power plants,<ref>Rob Ferguson, Tory vows to fast-track nuke plants, Toronto Star, September 23, 2007.</ref> and invest the gas tax in public transit and roads.<ref>Canadian Press, Tory: 'Millions' for transit, Toronto Star, September 14, 2007.</ref> A costing of the platform released in August estimated that the PC promises would cost an additional $14 billion over four years.<ref>Richard Brennan, Tories release cost figures for 'prudent' platform, Toronto Star, August 30, 2007.</ref>

The PC campaign was formally launched on September 3.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Most of the campaign was dominated by discussion of his plan to extend public funding to Ontario's faith-based separate schools,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> during which Tory supported allowing the teaching of creationism in religious studies classes.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Earlier in the year, indications were that the party would have been a strong contender to win the election, but the school funding promise resulted in the Liberals regaining the lead in popular support for the duration of the campaign.<ref name="20071010cbc1">CBC.ca - McGuinty only leader not facing leadership questions</ref> Later in the campaign, in the face of heavy opposition, Tory promised a free vote on the issue.<ref>Progressive Conservatives to soften position on faith-based schools: report</ref>

With the beginning of the official campaign period on September 10, the PC campaign made clear its intention to make the previous government's record a key issue. In particular, Tory focused on the Liberals' 2003 election and 2004 pre-budget promise not to raise taxes and their subsequent imposition of a health care tax.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On election night, the PCs made minor gains and remained the Official Opposition while Dalton McGuinty's Liberals were re-elected with a majority. Tory was defeated in Don Valley West by the incumbent Ontario Liberal MPP, Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne.<ref name="2007 results">Template:Cite web</ref> Although Tory was defeated in both his riding of Don Valley West and the race for the premiership, he said that he would stay on as leader unless the party wanted him to resign.<ref name="20071010cbc1" /><ref name="20071010cbc2">Template:Cite web</ref>

Leading from outside the legislature

As a result of the election loss, the party decided to hold a leadership review vote at its 2008 general party meeting in London.<ref name=torstar15oct2007>"Will provincial leaders stay, or go?", Toronto Star, October 15, 2007.</ref> Tory received 66.9 percent support, lower than internal tracking which showed him in the more comfortable 70 percent range. Three hours after the leadership review vote, Tory announced to the delegates that he would be staying on as leader.<ref name=canadianpress23feb2008>"Conservative Leader John Tory to remain after 67 per cent in leadership vote" — Canadian Press, February 23, 2008.Template:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> He came under heavy criticism from several party members following this delay, with his opponents signalling that they would continue to call for an end to what they called his 'weak' leadership.<ref name=natpost24feb2008>Template:Cite news and Template:Cite news</ref> Other party members supported Tory, saying that his opponents should accept the results and move on.<ref name=canadianpress23feb2008 /><ref name=natpost24feb2008 />

Throughout 2008, Tory's leadership of the party was perceived to be tenuous, as he faced widespread criticism for his seeming failure to convince a sitting MPP to resign in order to open a seat for him. Most notably, Bill Murdoch called for Tory to resign as party leader in September, resulting in his suspension from the party caucus on September 12.<ref>MPP suspended for suggesting John Tory quit, Toronto Star, September 12, 2008.</ref> Six days later, Murdoch was permanently expelled from the party caucus. In December 2008, media pundits speculated that Prime Minister Stephen Harper would appoint PC MPP Bob Runciman to the Senate in order to clear the way for Tory to run in Runciman's comfortably safe riding of Leeds—Grenville. However, Harper did not do so.

On January 9, 2009, PC MPP Laurie Scott announced her resignation from the legislature, allowing Tory to run in the resulting by-election in Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, a normally safe PC riding in central Ontario. In exchange for agreeing to resign, Scott was given the post of chair of the party's election preparedness committee until the 2011 election, and $100,000 in severance pay.<ref>"Tory gets a chance at last", Toronto Star, January 9, 2009.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 5, 2009, he lost the by-election to Liberal candidate Rick Johnson.<ref>"Ont. P.C. Leader John Tory loses byelection bid", CTV News, March 5, 2009.</ref> Tory announced his resignation from the party leadership the next day and was succeeded by Bob Runciman as interim leader; Runciman had served twice as leader of the opposition during the two times Tory did not have a seat in the legislature. Niagara West—Glanbrook MPP Tim Hudak won the 2009 Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership election to become party leader and opposition leader.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Return to broadcasting

File:Pupatello and Tory.jpg

Tory seated at a television studio set with Sandra Pupatello in January 2013

Several weeks following the end of his provincial political career, Tory announced he was returning to broadcasting, to host a Sunday evening phone-in show on Toronto talk radio station CFRB. The John Tory Show simulcast on CHAM in Hamilton and CKTB in St. Catharines.<ref>John Tory to host show on CFRB, Toronto Star, April 24, 2009</ref> He was also looking for opportunities in business, law or the non-profit sector.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the fall of 2009, CFRB moved Tory to its Monday to Friday afternoon slot, for a new show, Live Drive, airing from 4pm to 7pm.<ref name="cbc.ca">Template:Cite news</ref> The show first broadcast on October 5, 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Tory was considering challenging incumbent Toronto Mayor David Miller in the 2010 municipal election as was Ontario Deputy Premier George Smitherman.<ref name="cbc.ca" /> On September 25, 2009, Miller announced he was not running for re-election.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Tory announced on January 7 that he was not running in order to continue his radio show and also become head of the Toronto City Summit Alliance.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="ctv1">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="globe1">"Who could be Toronto's next mayor?", Globe and Mail (online edition), September 25, 2009</ref><ref name="post1">"A list of potential mayoral candidates"Template:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore, National Post (online edition), September 25, 2009</ref><ref>"It's official: John Tory won't run for Toronto mayor", Toronto Star (online), January 7, 2010</ref> On August 5, 2010, after a week of press speculation that he was about to re-enter the race, Tory confirmed that he would not be running in 2010 for mayor of Toronto.<ref>"John Tory is officially out of mayoral race - again", Toronto Star, August 5, 2010</ref>

Tory's last broadcast was February 21, 2014, after which he declared his candidacy for mayor.<ref name="cfrbannounce">Template:Cite news</ref>

Mayor of Toronto (2014–2023)

Elections

File:Toronto 2014 mayoral debate.jpg

Tory on stage with other mayoral candidates prior to a debate, June 2014

File:Mayor John Tory in Toronto at the Good Friday Procession - 2018 (27264606888).jpg

Tory (pictured in 2018) served as Mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023.

Tory registered as a candidate for the 2014 Toronto mayoral election on February 24, 2014. In his launch video he stated that building a Yonge Street relief line was "job one" if elected mayor.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On May 27, he announced his Toronto relief plan, entitled SmartTrack, providing electric commuter rail along existing GO train infrastructure with service from Unionville to Pearson Airport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> SmartTrack construction has still not begun as well as having seen several changes.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On October 27, 2014, Tory was elected as mayor of Toronto.<ref name="CBCTOPOLI">Template:Cite web</ref>

Tory became mayor of Toronto on December 1, 2014. He spent his first day meeting with Premier Kathleen Wynne, emphasizing the importance of working with other levels of government. He also announced that Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong would be his deputy mayor. Minnan-Wong remained in the position for two terms, but did not seek re-election in 2022, and Tory selected Councillor Jennifer McKelvie as deputy mayor for his third term.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

File:ToryVote2018.jpg

The percentage of the vote won by John Tory in each municipal ward in Toronto's 2018 mayoral election

On May 1, 2018, Tory registered his candidacy for re-election.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Tory retained a high approval rating at 58%, with only 24% disapproving, and 18% undecided. He was a front runner in the polls for the mayoral election at 65–70% support.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Tory was re-elected mayor of Toronto on October 22, 2018, defeating former chief city planner Jennifer Keesmaat with 63.49% of the vote.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Tory was re-elected to a third term in 2022, defeating urbanist Gil Penalosa with 62% of the vote.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Community safety and policing

Tory has sat on the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB) since his election as mayor in 2014. The TPSB oversees the Toronto Police Service (TPS) by hiring the chief of police, setting policies, and approving the annual police budget.

Community contacts policy (carding)

Soon after the 2014 election, the TPSB quashed rules governing the use of the community contacts policy ("carding"),<ref name="Star-Tory-ignores">Template:Cite news</ref> a controversial practice allowing police to randomly and routinely stop and demand identification and personal information from any individual deemed suspicious.<ref name="NP-carding">Template:Cite news</ref> The information collected is kept on record for an unspecified period and is easily accessible by police officers.<ref name="NP-carding" /> Opponents allege it disproportionately targets Black people.<ref name="Star-Tory-defends-carding">Template:Cite news</ref> The previous rules, brought in by former police chief Bill Blair, had required police to inform stopped individuals of their rights and to keep a record of each stop.<ref name="NP-carding" /> Blair had also suspended the practice pending new rules.<ref name="NP-carding" />

Despite public demand to completely end carding, Tory initially defended the policy in general, stating it should be reformed, but not stopped.<ref name="Star-Tory-defends-carding" /> The practice was defended by the police union, which maintained that it was a "proven, pro-active police investigative strategy that reduces, prevents and solves crime".<ref name="Star-Tory-wants-end-of-carding" /> On June 7, 2015, Tory called for an end to the policy, describing it as "illegitimate, disrespectful and hurtful" and stating it had "eroded the public trust".<ref name="Star-Tory-wants-end-of-carding">Template:Cite news</ref> In the TPSB meeting on June 18, Tory introduced a motion to end carding,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> however, the motion was subsequently amended to return to an initial 2014 version of the policy, which required officers to notify those they stop that the contact is voluntary and issue a physical receipt following the interaction.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Carding was effectively ended province-wide in 2017 when the provincial community safety minister, Yasir Naqvi, issued a regulation banning police from collecting data arbitrarily.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Police reform

On June 25, 2020, in response to calls for police reform following the murder of George Floyd in the United States and a series of similar incidents in Toronto such as the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet,<ref name="Patton20202">Template:Cite news</ref> councillors Josh Matlow and Kristyn Wong-Tam introduced a motion to cut the Toronto police budget by $122 million, or 10 per cent, and reallocate funds to community programming.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Tory, along with a majority of council, rejected the proposal, instead passing a series of motions supported by Tory which did not include immediate defunding of the police.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> Among the motions included the creation of a non-police crisis response pilot program and a $5 million funding increase to allow for front-line officers to be equipped with body cameras.<ref name=":1" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Tory claimed that a reduction in budget was likely if the program was successful.<ref name="Patton20202" />

During his term of office, he insisted on strengthening the resources of the police, the municipality's main financial asset. The priority given to the police was at the expense of social services and housing, whose budgets were reduced.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Toronto Community Crisis Service

At its meeting on June 25, 2020, Toronto City Council considered a series of motions aimed at reforming policing and crisis response in the city.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Tory tabled a motion to "detask" the police. The city would explore how duties currently assigned to sworn officers would be assumed by "alternative models of community safety response" to incidents where neither violence nor weapons are at issue.<ref name="Patton20202" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The proposal would "commit that its first funding priority for future budgets [be] centered [sic] on a robust system of social supports and services" and make an itemized line-by-line breakdown of the police budget public; a reduction in the police budget would likely ensue, according to the motion.<ref name="Patton20202" /> Tory's motion passed unanimously on June 29.<ref name=":0" />

On January 26, 2022, the Executive Committee approved a staff report outlining an implementation plan for the pilot program.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> It was subsequently adopted by city council on February 2.<ref name=":3" /> According to Tory, "the pilots will allow the city to test and to evaluate and to revise this model before we implement it on a larger scale but make no mistake it is our intention to implement it on a larger scale and to have it city-wide by 2025 at the latest".<ref name=":2" />

In March 2022, the city launched the Toronto Community Crisis Service pilot program.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

TTC safety

In 2022 and 2023, Toronto saw a series of violent incidents on the transit system, which saw employees and passengers seriously injured or killed in seemingly random attacks.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Union leaders and passenger advocacy groups demanded action from the city, calling for increased mental health programs, social services and security.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On January 26, 2023, Tory, along with police chief Myron Demkiw and TTC CEO Rick Leary announced that the city would deploy 80 additional police officers to patrol the transit system, using off-duty officers in an overtime capacity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Additionally, the TTC announced it would deploy 20 workers to provide outreach services to the homeless population on the TTC, and 50 security guards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Transportation

SmartTrack

Template:Main As part of his campaign in 2014, Tory proposed utilizing existing GO Transit rail corridors to construct an above ground relief line, building on the existing GO Regional Express Rail expansion plan. The proposal would see the service operate 22 "surface subway" stations alongside GO trains from Mississauga's Airport Corporate Centre south through Etobicoke towards Union Station, then north towards Markham.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Tory initially said that the proposal would cost $8 billion, with the city covering $2.5 billion, funded through tax increment financing,<ref name=":4" /> and that SmartTrack would be completed in seven years.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

After his election, as city and Metrolinx staff began studying his proposal, SmartTrack plans began to change, with stations changing, and questions raised surrounding the costs and integration. An updated plan saw the western portion being dropped in favour of extending the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As other transit projects emerged, such as the Ontario Line, stations were dropped which would be serviced by new proposals.<ref name=":5">Template:Cite web</ref>

The plan currently in place sees the construction of five new transit stations being completed in 2026, at a cost of $1.463 billion to the city.<ref name=":5" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Scarborough Subway extension

Tory supports a one-stop extension of Toronto subway Line 2 to serve a proposed transit hub at the Scarborough Town Centre<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> as opposed to the three-stop Scarborough previously approved and fully funded under Ford.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The LRT alternative failed in council in 2016.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Scarborough Subway Extension has completed the planning stage and as of 2016 was in the detailed design stage, with an estimated operation date of 2023.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Gardiner Expressway

In 2016, council faced a decision on the future of the elevated portion of the Gardiner Expressway east of Jarvis Street, as the aging structure would require significant renovations it was to remain in service beyond 2020.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref> Citing his election promise to improve traffic, Tory supported a hybrid option, which would see roughly $1 billion spent to reconstruct the structure with on and off ramps reconfigured.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The alternative proposal would have seen the expressway torn down at a cost of $461 million.<ref name=":6" /> On this issue, three members of his executive committee opposed him.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Other politicians, including former mayor David Crombie and former chief city planner and 2018 Toronto mayoral candidate Jennifer Keesmaat opposed the renovation of the Gardiner Expressway, and prefer to tear it down instead.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Road tolls

During the 2003 election, Tory initially positioned himself against road tolls.<ref name="auto">Template:Cite web</ref> As mayor, Tory's position softened in 2016 when the city considered how it could raise revenue to fund transit projects.<ref name="auto"/> In November 2016, Tory's announced that he would support tolls on the two municipally owned expressways, the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway, which would have raised roughly $200 million annually.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The proposal passed city council, however, as the municipal government is a creation of the provincial legislature, the city would need approval from the province to implement tolls, as the City of Toronto Act, which lays out the city's legal powers did not allow for road tolls.<ref name=":7" />

The provincial government ultimately rejected the idea in January 2017, with Premier Wynne stating that her government could not endorse road tolls on the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway until better transit alternatives were in place for commuters outside of the city to enter downtown. Wynne instead committed to increasing the municipal share of the gas tax, which would give the city $170 million annually by 2022.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite web</ref> While Tory was thankful for the increased gas tax share, he harshly criticized the province for denying the city a long-term option.<ref name=":8" />

During the 2022 municipal election, Tory once again floated the idea of introducing road tolls. The provincial government under Premier Doug Ford once again rejected the idea.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Housing

In 2014, Tory selected Councillor Ana Bailão to be the chair of the affordable housing committee.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Modular housing

In September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the city launched a housing response plan which would see 1000 units of modular housing contracted.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The initiative identifies city owned sites to place the units and is part of the city's housing strategy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation

In 2021, the city launched a senior-focused social housing provider known as the Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation. It provides housing to 15,000 low and moderate income seniors in 83 Toronto Community Housing Corporation buildings, and employs staff from Toronto Community Housing's former seniors unit.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

ModernTO

Initially launched in 2019 to optimize the city's office space,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the ModernTO initiative was adopted by Toronto City Council in April 2022 and seeks to redevelop a number of city-owned properties as affordable housing. The initiative sees the city reduce its office footprint from 55 to 15 locations by creating office hubs in central buildings such as City Hall, the civic centres and Metro Hall. Eight buildings will be repurposed into affordable housing, creating 500 to 600 units.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

2023 housing action plan

Following the 2022 election, Tory introduced a suite of proposals in city council which would overhaul the city's housing strategy.<ref name=":9">Template:Cite news</ref> The proposals include ending exclusionary zoning, which would update by-laws to legalize laneway suites and garden suites, as well as exempting developments of four units or less from development charges. It includes incentivizing construction of rental housing by reducing fees and charges, the creation of a new Development and Growth Division, which aims at speeding up approval times. The proposal also allocates a portion of city-owned land to be developed by non-profits, asks the province to allow the city to create a "use it or lose it" policy for developers sitting on approved but undeveloped land.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":9" /> City staff will report back to council in March 2023 with a report on how to implement the changes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

While introduced with the housing action plan, a separate item includes legalize rooming houses city-wide by March 2024, which was previously deferred due to lack of support on council.<ref name=":9" />

The proposal was described as "a profoundly bold plan" by former chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat, who ran against Tory for mayor in 2018, and praised by housing advocacy groups. Councillor Stephen Holyday described the plan as a "death blow" to detached homes such as those in his Etobicoke Centre ward.<ref name=":9" />

Parks and recreation

Rail Deck Park

In August 2016, Tory proposed the development of a 21-acre greenspace in the downtown core constructed above the Railway Lands. The proposed park would span between the Rogers Centre and Bathurst Street.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The proposal was priced at $1.66 billion.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The plan was contingent on the city securing air rights to the lands above the railway, owned by Canadian National Railway and Toronto Terminals Railway.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A group of private developers disputed this, claiming they had already owned the air rights.<ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref> City council moved to re-zone the area above the railway for park use only,<ref name=":10" /> which would prevent developers from building residential buildings as is the case in the surrounding area.<ref name=":10" /> The developers sided with the city in the provincial government's Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT), which sided with the city, noting the growing downtown core and a lack of open space.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The developers wished to build a 12-acre park as part of a development of eight condo and office towers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In May 2021, LPAT issued a new ruling in response to sided with the developers, ruling the city should not have rejected a proposal to build a "mixed use community" over the land.<ref name=":11">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The tribunal decision effectively ended the city's plans to develop the land as park space.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In a statement, Tory said he was "deeply disappointed" by the ruling and "the possible impact on the future of Rail Deck Park".<ref name=":11" />

The development group plans to build a park at half the size of the city's original proposal, with mixed use towers taking up the remaining space.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

COVID-19 pandemic

On March 23, 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Toronto by Tory, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref> This came six days after Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency in the province,<ref name="emergency">Template:Cite news</ref> which included prohibition of all public events of over 50 people (later reduced to 5 people on March 28), closure of bars and restaurants (with the exception that restaurants could continue to provide takeout and delivery services) as well as libraries, theatres, cinemas, schools and daycares.<ref name="death">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="gatheringban5">Template:Cite web</ref> On March 31, Tory announced that the City of Toronto would cancel all city-led major events, festivals, conferences, permits and cultural programs until June 30.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Beginning after Canada Day, street parking enforcement as well as fare evasion enforcement returned to Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission respectively.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> From July 2, 2020, face masks or coverings were required to be worn on the TTC.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After July 7, masks were required in enclosed, public places.<ref name="auto6">Template:Cite web</ref>

Strong-mayor powers

Prior to the 2022 election, at the request of Tory,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Premier Doug Ford's provincial government introduced legislation known as the Strong Mayors, Building More Homes Act, 2022, which granted Tory additional powers including the development of the budget, creating council committees, appointing the chairs and vice chairs of those committees, the power to reorganize departments, appointing department heads, and appointing the city manager. Tory was also granted the power to veto council decisions which do not align with priorities set by the province.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 16, 2022, the province proposed further changes the powers of the mayor, introducing the Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022 which would allow by-laws to be passed with only one-third of council voting in favour if Tory declared it to be in line with provincial priorities.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At a press conference, Tory stated that when speaking to the public, he often hears complaints relating to housing and community safety, but nobody has complained about the new powers.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite news</ref> The mayor's office has also said he would make very limited use of new powers.<ref name=":13">Template:Cite web</ref> The Ford government defended the new powers by pointing out the mayor's "city-wide mandate", having received more votes than the rest of council.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The National Post's Adam Zivo argued that the mayor is just as legitimate as council and that the changes will increase Tory's "political capital and influence," which he can use to push for the city's interests to other levels of government.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The new legislation was condemned by Toronto City Council, which had not been consulted on the changes, some of which were introduced after the election.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> All five living former Toronto mayors, David Crombie, David Miller, Barbara Hall, Art Eggleton and John Sewell, wrote a letter to Tory describing the new powers as an "attack" on local democracy and majority rule.<ref name=":13" /> Political science professors such as Harvard's Pippa Norris and Laval's Louis Massicotte were puzzled by the legislation, as no other democratic legislature in the world can pass laws with only one-third support.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Critics urged Tory to reject some, or all, of the new powers as Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe had done. Toronto Sun commentator Brian Lilley supported expanded powers for the mayor due to his city-wide mandate, but argued that those powers should not include minority rule.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Globe and Mail's Marcus Gee questioned why Tory had chosen not revealed his plans to the public,<ref name=":12" /> and described the changes as "offensive in principle and dangerous in practice".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Toronto Star's editorial board also called on Tory to reject the new powers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In December 2022, Tory asked the provincial government to amend the legislation to include a sunset clause after his term ends in 2026.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Taxes

Tory promised to keep property tax increases at or below the rate of inflation. He had previously made the same promise during the last municipal election and kept it as mayor.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Extramarital affair and resignation

On February 10, 2023, the Toronto Star broke the news that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tory had a months-long affair with a former staffer that ended earlier in 2023. Through his lawyer, Tory described the relationship as a "serious error of judgement". While no law prohibits politicians from having relationships with their staff, the Star questioned whether the relationship violated the city's internal policies.<ref name=":15" />

Tory announced at a press conference the same day that he would resign as Mayor of Toronto and committed to working with Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, City Manager Paul Johnson and City Clerk John D. Elvidge to ensure an "orderly transition".<ref name=":14">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He submitted his resignation letter to Elvidge on February 16, which states that his official last day would be February 17 at 5 p.m., after which McKelvie would assume certain mayoral powers until council arranged for a mayoral by-election.<ref name=":16" /> Former NDP MP Olivia Chow was elected to succeed Tory as mayor.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Tory had endorsed his former deputy mayor Ana Bailão to succeed him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She finished second in the election.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Post mayoralty

In December 2023, several months after he resigned as mayor, Tory joined Bell Media as a municipal affairs commentator appearing on CFRB as a commentator and substitute host as well as on CTV News and CP24.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In March 2024, it was announced that Tory would rejoin the board of directors of Rogers, after being a member of the board between 2010 and 2014 prior to running for Mayor of Toronto.<ref name=":17" />

Personal life

Tory has been married to Barbara Hackett, a home builder and renovator, since 1978.<ref>Diebel, Linda. "Mayoral Candidate John Tory a Leader from Childhood." Toronto Star, October 26, 2014. Web. December 15, 2016.</ref> They met in 1976 at York University, where they both studied law and Hackett also studied business.<ref name="thestar-childhood"/> Hackett was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome in 1991.<ref name="thestar-childhood"/> They have four children.<ref name=":15" />

Tory has two brothers, Michael and Jeffrey, and one sister, Jennifer.<ref name="thestar-childhood" /> One of Tory's ancestors, James Tory, was a soldier in the 71st Scottish Regiment. He was captured and held as a prisoner of war during the American Revolution. He later settled in Nova Scotia in the 1780s.<ref name="globeandmail04-09" /> His maternal grandmother, Helen Yvonne Solomon, was born in 1909 to a Russian Jewish family that had immigrated to Canada six years earlier and settled in Toronto.<ref name="jewish2014">Template:Cite news</ref> Helen Solomon married Howard English Bacon, an Anglican, and their daughter Elizabeth Bacon was raised a Christian and married Tory's father, John A. Tory, in 1953.<ref name="jewish2014" />

Honours

In 2012, Tory was made a member of the Order of Ontario in recognition for being "a consummate champion for the Greater Toronto Region as a founding member and chair of CivicAction and chairs and volunteers on countless fundraising campaigns".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Tory is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> and holds a commission as King's Counsel.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2011, Tory was awarded a Harry Jerome Award for his work as co-chair of DiverseCity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In June 2025, Tory was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Election results

2022 Toronto mayoral election

Candidate	Votes	%
John Tory	342,158	62.00
Gil Penalosa	98,525	17.85
Chloe-Marie Brown	34,821	6.31
Blake Acton	8893	1.61
27 other candidates	67,493	12.22
Total	551,890	100.00

2018 Toronto mayoral election

Candidate	Votes	%
John Tory	479,659	63.49
Jennifer Keesmaat	178,193	23.59
Faith Goldy	25,667	3.40
Saron Gebresellasi	15,222	2.01
64 other candidates	56,752	7.51
Total	755,493	100.00

2014 Toronto mayoral election

Candidate	Votes	%
John Tory	394,775	40.28
Doug Ford	330,610	33.73
Olivia Chow	226,879	23.15
64 other candidates	27,913	2.84
Total	980,177	100.00

Template:CANelec/top Template:CANelec Template:CANelec Template:CANelec Template:CANelec Template:CANelec Template:CANelec Template:CANelec Template:CANelec Template:CANelec Template:Canadian election result/total Template:Canadian party colour |align="left" colspan=2|Liberal gain from Progressive Conservative |align="right"|Swing |align="right"| +11.58 | Template:Canadian election result/source Template:End

External links

• City of Toronto: About Mayor John Tory Template:Webarchive
• Legislative Assembly of Ontario profile Template:Webarchive
• Law Society of Upper Canada Record Template:Webarchive
• John Tory - 2014 Toronto Mayoral Collection - Web archive created by the University of Toronto Libraries