May 1, 2014
In response to Mayor Rob Ford's notice to the City that he is taking a leave of absence, Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly and City Manager Joe Pennachetti reassured residents that the City of Toronto is well-prepared to ensure that City services and programs continue uninterrupted.
"I want to assure all residents that the business of the City of Toronto continues as usual," said Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly. "Our priorities are stable governance and ensuring that we focus on advancing the important business of the City of Toronto."
The Mayor has submitted official notification to the City of his intent to take a leave of absence. Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly now has all of the duties and powers of the Mayor that Mayor Ford had immediately before he started his leave. In November 2013 City Council suspended certain duties, powers and rights of the Office of Mayor for the balance of the current term. These decisions remain in force and do not change as a result of the Mayor's leave.
"This is an unusual situation for the City of Toronto, however, City staff will continue to provide programs and services 24/7 to residents and businesses, and senior staff will continue to support the Deputy Mayor and all of Council," said City Manager Joe Pennachetti.
There is no time limit on the duration of a leave. Vacancies on Council or committees do not reduce quorum. Despite the vacancy, the quorum for City Council meetings remains 23 of 45, and Executive Committee remains seven of 13. The Deputy Mayor will continue to be called Deputy Mayor and will also continue in his capacity as the Councillor for Ward 40.
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
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Media contact: Wynna Brown, Strategic Communications, 416-919-6503, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.