The Mayor retains his statutory powers under the City of Toronto Act, 2006 (COTA) and other Acts. This includes providing leadership to Council and representing and promoting the City locally, nationally and internationally. COTA provides that the role of a mayor includes promoting both public involvement in the City and representing the City at official functions. The role also includes fostering activities that enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of the City.
On November 15, Council suspended the power of the Mayor to appoint the Deputy Mayor and the Chairs of the City’s Standing Committees. Council also delegated responsibilities to the Deputy Mayor with respect to the recruitment process for the City’s Accountability Officers. In addition, Council delegated authority to the Deputy Mayor to act on behalf of Council in the event of a major emergency.
At today's Special Meeting, City Council removed some of the Mayor's powers and duties that are not assigned by statute. Council also decided that the Deputy Mayor would be assigned to the role of Chair of the City’s Executive Committee. The Mayor remains a member of the City's Executive Committee.
Council made further decisions today that affect the budget for the Mayor's office. Council directed that the budget of the Office of the Mayor be set at $95,000 for the remainder of 2013 and the budget of the Office of the Mayor for January 1 to November 30, 2014, be set at $712,000, plus the amount of the Mayor's salary and benefits. The balance of the operating budget in 2013 in the amount of $429,880, and for January 1 to November 30, 2014 in the amount of $882,820 be re-allocated to the City Clerk's Office to be administered under the oversight of the Deputy Mayor.
The residents and businesses of the City of Toronto can be assured that City services and programs continue as usual.
See the fact sheet below outlining the statutory and non-statutory powers of the Mayor.
To view the Council documents for November 15, please see the following links:
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisionBodyProfile.do?function=doPrepare&meetingId=8588#Meeting-2013.CC42
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisionBodyProfile.do?function=doPrepare&meetingId=8608#Meeting-2013.CC43
To view the Council documents for the November 18 meeting, please see:
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisionBodyProfile.do?function=doPrepare&meetingId=8590#Meeting-2013.CC44
