‘It’s not time to change’: Ford says Tory has been a good mayor for Toronto

Premier Doug Ford believes now is not the right time for Toronto Mayor John Tory to resign from his role but adds the decision lies with Tory and his family.

“Mayor Tory has been a phenomenal partner, he’s been a really good mayor for the City of Toronto. My opinion, it’s not time to change. Everything is going tickety-boo in Toronto,” Ford said at an unrelated announcement in Brampton on Wednesday.

In a shocking announcement at a late-night press conference on Friday Tory said he would be stepping down as the city’s mayor after revealing he had an affair with a former staffer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Ford was asked whether he thinks Tory should reconsider his decision to resign, he didn’t directly comment on the reason for his resignation, saying it is a private issue.

“There’s your private family and then there’s business,” the premier said.

“I am just looking at the perspective of the largest city, Toronto, the incredible relationship we’ve had with Toronto … I think everyone has seen the good job that Mayor Tory has done, the guy is a relentless worker.”

Ford’s comments come as a source told CityNews reporter Cynthia Mulligan on Tuesday that Ford and the Toronto police union have reached out to Tory, encouraging him not to resign.

The premier also commented on Toronto potentially having another mayor, should Tory decide to follow through on his resignation, and what that would mean for the city and province.

Speaking at the news conference in Brampton, a reporter asked Ford if he was concerned if a more left-leaning mayor could get into office.

“If a lefty mayor gets in there, God help the people of Toronto … taxes going through the roof, uncontrollable spending … if a left-wing mayor gets in there, we’re toast. I’ll tell you, it will be a disaster in my opinion.”

Last week, Tory said he was resigning so that he could repair his relationships with his wife and the rest of his family. However, his announcement came at a tumultuous time, with budget negotiations taking place at city council on Wednesday.

Tory’s office has said he will stay on as mayor until his budget is debated at council and that transition details would be announced later. It is not clear if Tory will resign after the budget is presented or after it is passed at council.

Ford said he backs Tory’s decision to stick around for the budget.

“I think it is because he was the one who put the budget together, I think it’s good for Toronto, all Torontonians, that we get this budget through and I just want to wish him all the best.”

Tory is expected to wield “strong mayor” powers, including a veto, to help push through the budget with only one-third of support from city council.

With files from The Canadian Press