City councillor Michael Thompson still seeking re-election despite sexual assault charges

Scarborough Centre city councillor Michael Thompson says he still is seeking re-election and will remain as part of the council after two sexual assault charges were filed against the 62-year-old last week.

On Tuesday, Thompson told CityNews by phone that nothing has changed regarding his intention to seek re-election.

“I have been the councillor here for the last 19 years. I have provided exemplary services to the residents here. I continue to do so as a councillor currently,” Thompson said.

“I am spending my time and energy focusing on my re-election campaign. That is what I am doing at the moment.”

Ontario provincial police confirmed the charges, saying a report was filed earlier this month alleging sexual assaults had occurred at a residence in Muskoka sometime this year.

Thompson wouldn’t comment on the charges.

“I will say that I am simply going to allow the process to unfold,” Thompson said on Tuesday.

“At the moment, I am spending my time working for the residents in Scarborough Centre, as I have done for 19 years. I am spending a lot of time with respect to my re-election focus on the 2022 Toronto municipal election campaign.”

Thompson issues statement on social media

In a short Instagram post, the veteran city councillor said he takes the investigation seriously, reiterating that he has the “utmost faith” in Canada’s judicial system.

Shortly after the allegations were made public, Thompson’s lawyer, Calvin Barry, announced he would no longer represent the city councillor due to the pair’s close friendship.

The 62-year-old is a longtime Toronto politician and sits on numerous committees and boards. He’s the chair of the economic and community development committee, a member of Mayor John Tory’s executive committee, and one of Tory’s ceremonial deputy mayors.

Mayor Tory said last week he would not comment on the matter as it is before the courts but did confirm that Thompson would not serve as deputy mayor or chair any council committees as he fights the charges.

A spokesperson for Centennial College told CityNews that Thompson resigned as a Board member at the school, noting it would not be appropriate for him to continue serving while he faces the charges.

Thompson was first elected to city council in 2003.

With files from Michael Talbot of CityNews