Taking a Stand for Toronto's Local Democracy- by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Gord Perks

That's why this motion sends a strong message to the provincial government that City Council does not support a "Strong mayor" system in Toronto with legislation that includes a veto over the City's budget, or other items before Council, or any other legislative measure that would grant additional mayoral powers over City affairs than what is already granted under the City of Toronto Act. Our City's governance structure should be designed for not only what we aspire to be, but to take into account what guard rails are necessary to protect a healthy local democracy. In Toronto's case, we don't need to look very far back in our own history to see how important the ability is to hold the mayor's power in check. In fact, it was absolutely necessary. As they say, "hope for the best and plan for the worst". This Motion is urgent because there will not be another Council meeting prior to the introduction of this legislation that will have significant impacts on the City's governance structure.

2. City Council request the City Clerk to report to the first Council meeting of the next term on a governance structure that will enable the current model of mayoral powers under the City of Toronto Act, in relation to any changes to that Act or others. 3. City Council affirms its position that any changes to Toronto's local elections or its governance structure should be decisions made by Toronto's City Council.