The Mayor of Canada’s largest city, John Tory, has resigned after admitting to having an affair with a staff member.
Tory made the announcement of his resignation at brief press conference earlier this evening, speaking from a prepared statement.
“During the pandemic I developed a relationship with an employee in my office in a way that did not meet the standards to which I hold myself as Mayor and as a family man.”
The relationship ended earlier this year according to Tory, by mutual consent.
In his statement he noted during the course of that relationship, the employee had left to pursue a career outside of City Hall.
“I recognize that permitting this relationship to develop was a serious error in judgment on my part. It came at a time when Barb, my wife of 40 plus years, and I were enduring many lengthy periods apart, while I carried out my responsibilities during the pandemic.”
He says he deeply regrets having to step away from a job and city he loves, but believes it is best to commit himself to the work required to repair his most important relationships.
Adding “I’ve nonetheless, been deeply honoured by the opportunity to serve the people of this wonderful city. When I believe I did some good for the city, that I did make a positive difference, for a city I truly love, particularly during the pandemic.”
Tory had just won his third term during the 2022 municipal election, and had he finished it, would have made him the longest serving mayor in the city’s history.
Senior staff and Toronto’s Deputy Mayor will be working alongside Tory over the coming days to allow for an orderly transition.
Under the City of Toronto Act, in the subsection marked for filling vacancies there are two options.
Option A: fill the vacancy by appointing a person who has consented to accept the office if appointed,
or
Option B: require a by-election to be held to fill the vacancy in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, 2006, c.11, Sched. A, s.208 (1)
In his closing remarks Tory repeatedly apologized to his wife and family, colleagues, staff at City Hall and to the citizens of Toronto for his actions, and made a request for privacy.
“I hope the privacy of all of those impacted by my actions can be respected, that includes me.”
Tory took no questions from media following his announcement.
Toronto City Council will be required to deal with this situation at their next meeting, which is slated for Wednesday.
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