Queen’s Park tables legislation to slash the number of Toronto city councilors

A busy day at Queen’s Park where the Provincial Government tabled legislation that would slash the number of city councilors in Toronto from 47 to 25.

The Conservatives have enough members to ensure that this bill will pass in time to take effect for the municipal election this October. While some Toronto City Councilors are mounting a legal challenge against the province, others held a news conference at Queen’s Park to indicate their support.

One of those supporters was Councilor Giorgio Mammoliti. “The size of government is the problem. It stifles many people that may not have a voice.”
Premier Ford claiming that, “Everyone I talked to said Toronto was dysfunctional.”

But why does the so-called “better local government” bill only apply to Toronto? The Minister responsible for municipal affairs says this:

“Anyone who watched question period knows the passion he has for Toronto. A smaller council will better make decisions for taxpayers.”

The leader of the official opposition says:

“It seems Ford is settling political scores. He couldn’t be mayor of Toronto, now he wants to be de facto mayor. He wants to consolidate the power so he can decide what happens in Toronto.”

So far the government hasn’t decided whether to send the bill to committee, but the NDP does not expect that chance for debate. The bill could pass as early as two weeks from now. The legislature will likely to continue to sit through the summer until it does pass.