Toronto Mayor John Tory steps down after admitting relationship with staffer | CBC News

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.”

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.”

The mayor 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 city manager, city clerk and deputy mayor to ensure an “orderly transition” in the coming days.

Tory cruised to re-election in last October’s municipal election and has enjoyed strong support throughout most of his time in office. 

Tory first won in 2014, beating out now-premier Doug Ford and Olivia Chow. He won again in 2018, defeating the city’s ex-chief planner, Jennifer Keesmaat. 

In a report on Friday night, the Toronto Star said the woman, a former employee, is 31 years old and worked as an adviser in his office.