Toronto Mayor John Tory announced on Friday that he will step down from his office after admitting to a relationship with a former staffer.
“During the pandemic I developed a relationship with an employee in my office in a way that did not meet the standards to which I hold myself as mayor and as a family man,” Tory said during a brief statement at city hall.
Tory said the relationship ended by “mutual consent” earlier this year.
The employee found employment outside of his office during the relationship, he said.
“I recognize that permitting this relationship to develop was a serious error in judgment on my part.”
Tory said the relationship came at a time when he and his wife of more than 40 years were “enduring many lengthy periods apart while I carried out my responsibility during the pandemic.”
Tory apologizes to ‘those harmed by my actions’
The mayor said he will take time to reflect on his “mistakes” and will work to rebuild the trust of his family.
“I am deeply sorry and apologize unreservedly to the people of Toronto and all those harmed by my actions, including my staff, my colleagues on city council and the public service for whom I have such respect,” Tory said.
“Most of all, I apologize to my wife Barb and to my family who I have let down more than anyone else.”
Tory said he has informed the integrity commissioner of the situation and has asked the office to review it. He said he will also work with the city manager, city clerk and Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie to ensure an “orderly transition” in the coming days.
“While I deeply regret having to step away from a job I love, in a city I love even more, I believe in my heart it is best to fully commit myself to the work required to repair these most important relationships,” he said.
“As well, I think it is important for the office of the mayor not to in any way be tarnished and not to see the city government itself put through a prolonged period of controversy, arising out of this error in judgement on my part, especially in light of the challenges we face as a city.”
Tory thanked Toronto residents for trusting him as mayor.
“It has been the job of a lifetime,”
