Here is the full text of former mayor John Tory’s statement sent by email on Tuesday afternoon, announcing his intention to not seek re-election in October:
It was the honour of a lifetime to have served as mayor of this city, the city I love and will always hold dearly in my heart. It is my home and I have always tried to treat every single resident as part of a bigger family.
The office of the mayor is a vitally important institution bigger than any one person. I’ve always believed that its occupant must safeguard the integrity of the office. Together with protecting my family and those close to me, it is why I made the difficult decision to step away several years ago, despite the urgings of many to stay.
I left proud of what I had accomplished as mayor: record investments in transit, housing and services all done while keeping taxes affordable; steering the city through the pandemic, leading a great team and protecting members of our big Toronto family, and improving quality of life for residents regardless of where they lived, regardless of their circumstances.
I want to thank all of those who have been urging me to run again, from business and community leaders, to ordinary Torontonians from all walks of life, many of whom approached me on the street and on the subway. You’ve given me a lot to think about and I want to assure you I have given it serious consideration.
We are at a pivotal moment in the life of our city. The world has turned. Allies have become adversaries. Our economy and way of life are under threat. People are justifiably worried for their jobs and for the future. Affordability remains a challenge for many and others fear for their safety.
Toronto has faced challenges before and we have always risen to the occasion. We can be the economic engine powering the country again. We have to be. Canada’s future prosperity and vitality depend on it.
Of course, it starts with leadership. And to be clear — while the mayor of Toronto doesn’t set trade policy or interest rates — what he or she does do is ensure the city is a place where businesses want to invest and grow and where our most talented people want to stay and can thrive while we attract more exceptional people, innovators and entrepreneurs, from around the world.
To do that we need a safe city where regardless of statistics, people actually feel safe; a city where open-air drug use on our streets and encampments in our parks are not normalized and just accepted; where the transit system is reliable, efficient and safe; and where the city government makes an effort every single year — not just in election years — to keep taxes and fees low, and the business climate competitive. We’ve been that place in the past. We can be that place again.
If I were running this would be my focus. But I will not be running. And not because I lack the energy or the desire. I will not be running for mayor because I feel I cannot put my family and the people I care about through the inevitable attacks on me and my personal life that we’ve started to see before I’ve even announced my intentions. I’m not asking for you to feel sorry for me. I did hold myself to account by stepping down and I know that politics is a tough business — at times, brutal. What I’m asking for is your understanding.
I have no plans to endorse anyone at this moment but I won’t hesitate to do so. I intend to continue my work as a commentator and will closely watch how the field of candidates develops. And I would urge those who feel they can contribute meaningfully to improving the city to put their names forward — whether it be for mayor or for council.
For now, I will continue to serve in the way that I can, through my charitable and volunteer work including with Woodgreen, Scarborough Health Network, TIFF and others. I will always champion Toronto. I will always be this city’s number one fan.
Most importantly, I am and forever will be grateful for the greatest opportunity and honour I have ever had — to have served as your mayor.
