Doug Ford says John Tory shouldn’t resign as Toronto’s mayor: ‘It’s not time to change’

It was the first time Ford had spoken publicly about Tory since the mayor announced Friday night he would resign after the Star revealed he had an extramarital affair with an aide.

Thestar.com
Feb. 16, 2023
Robert Benzie
Rob Ferguson

Premier Doug Ford is strongly urging John Tory to reconsider resigning over the Toronto mayor’s “personal” scandal.

“Mayor Tory has been a phenomenal partner, he’s been a really good mayor for the city of Toronto and it’s not time to change,” Ford said Wednesday in Brampton.

“Everything’s going tickety-boo in Toronto, they’re working well with the federal (and) provincial government -- and what happens in their private life is strictly up to the mayor and their family,” he said.

“Let’s not upset the apple cart for a personal issue he’s dealing with.”

It was the first time Ford had spoken publicly about Tory since the mayor announced Friday night he would resign after the Star revealed he had an extramarital affair with an aide.

The premier’s comments came as some city councillors have encouraged Tory to stay in the job. The mayor sidestepped questions from reporters at city hall Wednesday morning about his resignation plans.

While Ford said he would work with whomever succeeds Tory as mayor, he signalled his displeasure at the prospect of a New Democratic chief magistrate.

“If a lefty mayor gets in there, God help the people of Toronto,” Ford said.

“We saw it before taxes going through the roof out of control spending (and) worrying about lining the pockets of city hall’s coffers,” he said.

“It would be a disaster. I’ll tell you if a left-wing mayor gets in there, we’re toast.”

Ford said it was appropriate for Tory to remain at the helm as he tables his municipal budget Wednesday at city council.

“Everyone has seen the good job Mayor Tory has done. The guy’s a relentless worker. I don’t think he sleeps. He’s up at 5 a.m. and the guy doesn’t stop till midnight.” Ford added at a Magna International plant.

The premier announced $23.6 million in provincial funding to help the auto industry supply company with a $471-million expansion creating more than 500 new jobs -- including at an electric vehicle battery enclosure facility in Brampton.

At Queen’s Park, NDP Leader Marit Stiles said “the mayor of Toronto should stick to his words” from Friday night.

“He announced he’s going to resign. I think that Toronto really needs clarity right now,” said Stiles.

“There are very important issues that the people of this city really expect to be addressed. They don’t need this chaos, and we do need clear leadership,” she said.

Asked about Ford’s comments, Stiles rolled her eyes at his comment about wanting to keep “so-called lefties out” of city hall.

“Toronto needs strong leadership and I think that’s what this premier should be concerned with,” she said.