Toronto – The President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union has condemned Premier Doug Ford’s intention to cut nearly half of Toronto’s City Council seats.
Warren (Smokey) Thomas says it’s an attack on democracy and it appears to have nothing to do with sound public policy.
“I want to remind the Premier that legislation is supposed to be a tool for good not a weapon for revenge,” Thomas said. “The people of Toronto did not elect you as mayor, but that is not an excuse to take a hammer to local democracy.”
Toronto’s City Councilors are essential to holding the Mayor and his executive to account, and answerable to the people.
“Doug, don’t you have enough on your plate without picking a fight with Toronto city councilors?” asked Thomas. “Slashing and burning in Toronto is not helpful for Ontario.”
Toronto’s progressive councilors have been solidly pro-public services, and anti-privatization. They defeated the plan to privatize Toronto Hydro, Toronto Parking Authority, and public libraries. They also have taken a stand for marginalized communities by supporting affordable housing, safe injection sites and LGBTQ2S services.
“How is cutting a bunch of democratically elected local politicians square with Doug Ford’s claim that his government is ‘for the people’?” Thomas concluded.
For more information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President: 613-329-1931