Toronto: Toronto members of the Ontario NDP have called on Mayor John Tory to withdraw the bill through which they are to be given more powers.
In a letter to the mayor, the Toronto Area MPPs said they were “deeply saddened” that the Tory had struck a deal with Premier Doug Ford to get the bill passed. If the bill is passed, the mayor will be able to make important decisions with the support of one-third of Tory Council members. The letter also said that with the passage of Bill 39, democratic values will have no value. This will lead to secret agreements and lead to a variety of scandals.
It also said it would undermine the integrity of the municipal elections and would also lead to a serious attack on the democratic rights of the people of Toronto. It will also break the trust of the people.
The letter was signed by Chris Glover (Spadina-Fort York), Jessica Bell (University-Rosedale), Marit Stiles (Davenport), Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto-Centre), Tom Rakocevic (Humber River-Black Creek), Doly Begum (Scarborough Southwest), Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth) and Jill Andrew (Toronto-St. Paul’s).