It gives mayors the power to veto bylaws that conflict with provincial priorities, such as housing construction. A council could override the mayor’s veto with a two-thirds majority. Toronto Mayor John Tory has expressed support for the plan, while Ottawa’s outgoing mayor and two of the leading contenders to replace him have said they are not in favor. Opposition parties say the legislation amounts to Premier Doug Ford’s meddling in municipal politics just ahead of the October municipal election.
“Nothing to do with housing,” says NDP critic
“It doesn’t even mention housing in the bill,” said NDP critic Jeff Burts. “It’s not about housing. It’s about Doug Ford dealing with ghosts from his past,” he said, referring to Ford’s time as a Toronto councilor while his late brother Rob Ford was mayor. Doug Ford said he plans to expand the powers to more municipalities. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario said the province must have broad consultations if it plans to extend the power to more cities. The legislation also gives mayors the responsibility to prepare and file their city’s budget, instead of the council, to appoint an administrative officer and to hire and fire department heads, in addition to statutory appointments such as auditor general, police chief or fire chief .
