John Tory is vying to lead Canada’s largest city for four more years. On Friday morning, the 67-year-old announced that he will seek his third term as mayor of Toronto in the October civic election. Tory said that he decided to run for a third term after receiving support and blessings from his family.
“I believe that the kind of experience I have, the kind of understanding I have of the need for partnership with the other governments, and my ability to form those, my ability to manage the finances of the city soundly, to sell the city for things like film and technology—those things are going to require experienced leadership the people are familiar and comfortable with, and that I want to continue to provide that leadership,” Tory told reporters this morning, adding that post-COVID recovery is “job one” for the city, and he’d like to continue to guide Toronto as it recovers from the pandemic in the next few years.
Statement from John Tory on why he’s seeking a 3rd term as Mayor of Toronto. #TOpoli pic.twitter.com/Nbfa7yxul0
— Kris Pangilinan (@KrisReports) March 25, 2022
The reaction was mixed across social media, with some suggesting that it’s time for new “perspectives” at City Hall.
I have never seen the city of my birth less organized, unplanned and unprepared for anything than under John Tory’s lack of leadership.
— Korbei (@Korbei83) March 25, 2022
Eight years ago @hideeds, @JohnTory and I climbed in her station wagon at 5:45 am to do the milk run of morning shows to announce he was running for Mayor. At the time he was considered a long shot candidate. Thrilled to see him running for a 3rd term. He’s got my ? #TOpoli https://t.co/bVQjWXEEfs
— Amanda Galbraith (@agalbraith) March 25, 2022
Some brought up Tory’s track record with homelessness—Tory was mayor during the infamous standoff at Trinity Bellwoods Park in June 2021, in which police officers, city workers, and private security guards used force to clear encampment residents.
Tory was first elected in 2014, replacing former mayor Rob Ford, with 40% of the vote. In 2018, Tory won his second term with more than 60% of the vote (although with fewer councillors, after Premier Doug Ford’s government’s decision to cut the size of Toronto City Council in half).
Tory will register to run in October’s election on May 1. If he is re-elected and serves a full, four-year term, he will become Toronto’s longest-serving mayor, surpassing the 11 years (1980 to 1991) that Art Eggleton was in office.
To read our recent interview with Tory click here.
