In 2022, the Province of Ontario introduced Bill 3, Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022. The Bill received Royal Assent on September 8, 2022. This legislation concentrates power in the heads of council in Toronto and Ottawa with the purpose of advancing “provincial priorities”. Under Bill 3, the Mayor of Toronto has the authority to perform functions that previously required whole of Council support. The Mayor is also granted a veto authority over decisions and bylaws approved by a majority of Council, provided that the Mayor is of the opinion that Council's decision could potentially interfere with the advancement of a “provincial priority” as defined by the Ontario Government. Bill 3 enables greater provincial control over local Councils and decision-making. The new powers provided to the Heads of Council in Ottawa and Toronto do not include sufficient checks and balances. It is critical that Toronto City Council reaffirm the legislative role of City Council and the fundamental principles of decision-making at City Hall.
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