PC government to make changes ahead of municipal elections

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is shaking things up ahead of October’s municipal elections.

Ford says his government will introduce legislation next week to cut the number of Toronto city councillors from 47 to 25.

“I ran on a commitment to restore accountability and trust,” he said a a news conference Friday morning.

“I promised to reduce the size and cost of government and end their culture of waste and mismanagement in government.”

The move was panned by Toronto Mayor John Tory, who said he will propose a referendum on the issue.

“This is a gigantic decision about the future of Toronto,” Tory said.2020

“What we don’t need and what I just can’t support is change being rammed down our throats without a single second of public consultation.”

Several councillors echoed Tory’s opposition.

The premier also announced plans to cancel planned elections for regional chair positions in a handful of communities, including Niagara.

“The last thing the families businesses and municipal leaders in these regions need is another layer of politicians.”

The regional chair position will remain but the seat will be appointed instead of elected in.