Budget chief named at Tory’s 1st executive committee meeting

Mayor John Tory held his first executive committee meeting on Friday, capping off a week of firsts for Toronto’s new mayor.

The meeting is largely an organizational one, with Coun. Gary Crawford elected chair of the budget committee and Coun. Denzil Minnan-Wong, chair of the employee and labour relations committee.

“I am honoured that Mayor Tory has recommended me to the position of budget chief,” Crawford said in a statement.

“We have an excellent relationship and share the same philosophy in creating a fiscally healthy city while keeping taxes at, or below, the rate of inflation.

“The next budget committee will be comprised of a diverse group, in terms of opinion and talent … We will not let ideology get in the way of good ideas.”

The executive committee unanimously approved Tory’s new motion calling for a report by Jan. 22 on an “accelerated work plan” for his SmartTrack and Regional Express Rail proposals.

If approved by council, the review would outline the planning, environmental assessment, business case analysis and implementation schedule.

Tory will rely on his executive committee to get council support for SmartTrack and other issues. He will ask council to approve it before leveraging his clout at Queen’s Park.

Members will also approve the budget process and schedule for next year.

Tory was joined on the executive committee by 12 other councillors, including his new Deputy Mayor, Minnan-Wong.

The other executive committee members are:

  • Paul Ainslie
  • Ana Bailão
  • Michelle Berardinetti
  • Gary Crawford
  • Frank Di Giorgio
  • Mary-Margaret McMahon
  • Cesar Palacio
  • James Pasternak
  • Jaye Robinson
  • David Shiner
  • Michael Thompson

Click here to read the agenda. Watch the meeting, which began at 9:30 a.m., live on CityNews.ca and 680News.com.

It’s been quite a week for Tory. As promised during the election, he began to immediately tackle traffic congestion within two days of being sworn in as the mayor.

His six-point gridlock plan includes a zero-tolerance for vehicles blocking lanes on main roads during rush hour, and personally chairing the road closures co-ordination committee for the next six months.

With files from Toronto staff

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today