Jonathan Tsao appointed councillor for Ward 33 Don Valley East

Former Queen’s Park staffer Jonathan Tsao is the new councillor for Ward 33 Don Valley East — at least until the fall.

At a special meeting on Tuesday, Toronto city council appointed the 31-year-old to the role, which was left vacant when Shelley Carroll stepped down in April to run as the provincial Liberal candidate in Don Valley North.

“I want to congratulate Jonathan Tsao on his appointment and look forward to working with him to serve Don Valley East and the people of Toronto,” Mayor John Tory said in a statement.

“As a children’s mental health advocate at Children’s Mental Health Ontario, a director on the board of the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, a former public servant with the provincial government, and a long-time resident of the ward, I believe Mr. Tsao is passionate about public service, Ward 33 and all of Toronto.”

Tsao has also worked with Toronto’s Chinese community and has a degree from the London School of Economics.

Eighteen candidates applied for the position and addressed council at the special meeting.

Toronto didn’t hold a by-election as, under provincial law, they’re prohibited after March 31 in an election year.

Toronto heads to the polls Oct. 22, and Tsao will remain in the position at least until the current term of city council ends on Nov, 30