The Ford Government recently announced plans to give expanded powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa. This surprise initiative, not mentioned by the Conservatives during their recent successful election campaign, and intended to take effect with the imminent new term of councils in Ontario, has understandably generated considerable debate and controversy. Most of the concerns have related to the way these powers will adversely affect the other members of council and also the municipal staff. I would argue, however, that the biggest threat is the way that the supposedly strong mayors could become – indeed, might even be intended to be – puppets of the province. Let’s take a closer look.
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Bill Graham, former Liberal MP, died very recently. From my limited contact (and familiarity) with this man, the extremely positive media coverage was well deserved. Because of my writing and teaching activities, I knew of Bill Graham, but I was interested in learning more about him when my nephew Chris ran for the Green Party in the Toronto riding which he held.
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AuthorC. Richard Tindal, Ph.D is a retired Professor of Government. He taught for 30 years at St. Lawrence College, Kingston and was an occasional Visiting Professor at Queen's University. He has also written and consulted extensively about government. Archives
October 2023
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