Reactions from Canadian politicians are pouring in after Toronto Mayor John Tory stepped down following his confession about cheating on his wife with a former employee.
“During the pandemic, I developed a relationship with an employee in our office in a way that did not meet the standards to which I hold myself as mayor, and as a family man,” Tory admitted in a short press conference held last night.
Saturday morning, Ontario Premier Doug Ford thanked Tory for his years of service and dedication to the city.
“John will be remembered as a dedicated and hard-working mayor who served as a steady leader during the most difficult times of the pandemic. He united Toronto behind an optimistic vision for the future and I will miss working with him to see it come to life,” he said in a statement.
Tory, 68, said the relationship was a “serious error in judgment” and that it occurred during “many lengthy periods apart” from his wife Barbara Hackett amid the height of the pandemic. Tory and Hackett have been married for over 40 years and share four children.
Tory’s affair ended by mutual consent earlier this year, and the former employee decided to leave City Hall and work elsewhere, according to Tory.
Mitzie Hunter, member of provincial parliament (MPP) for Scarborough Guildwood, also commented on her time working with Tory.
“I am appreciative of John Tory having worked with him over many years. John has a long record of public service. Having admitted to his mistakes, the John that I know owned up to his responsibilities. That says a lot. I wish him and his family peace & healing that is needed,” she tweeted Saturday.
Cheri DiNovo, former member of the Provincial Parliament of Ontario, suggests Ontario has a few more pressing issues to address.
“So the news is on John Tory’s affair, not Doug Ford’s #Greenbelt promised sell out and cash for his daughter from developers, or homeless dying on our streets. Sad, “ she said.
The city’s integrity commissioner was informed about Tory’s affair and is reviewing the case.
John Tory has been the mayor since 2014 and was re-elected four months ago for a third term.
Jennifer McKelvie, deputy mayor and Scarborough-Rouge Park councillor is now the acting mayor until a by-election is held.
Other local, provincial and national politicians and government officials have shared their thoughts on Tory’s now-public scandal:
