Read Toronto Mayor John Tory's full remarks announcing that he will be stepping down from his role after disclosing his pandemic affair with a staff in his office:
Good evening.
I want to update Torontonians on a difficult personal matter.
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.
The relationship ended by mutual consent earlier this year.
During the course of our relationship sometime ago, the employee decided to pursue employment outside City Hall and secured a job elsewhere.
I recognize that permitting this relationship to develop was a serious error in judgment on my part.
It came at a time when Barb, my wife of 40-plus years and I were enduring many lengthy periods apart while I carried out my responsibilities during the pandemic.
As a result, I have decided I will step down as Mayor so I can take the time to reflect on my mistakes and to do the work of rebuilding the trust of my family.
I will be working with the City Manager, the 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.
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.
I am deeply sorry and apologize unreservedly to the people of Toronto and to all those hurt by my actions including my staff, my colleagues and the public service.
Most of all, I apologize to my wife Barb and my family, whom I have let down more than anyone else.
I hope the privacy of all of those impacted by my actions can be respected and that includes me.
I think as you know I am a naturally private person notwithstanding some of the jobs I have had and I hope you will respect that, and the privacy of everyone else as well, especially my wife and family.
I have made the Integrity Commissioner aware of the relationship and asked him to review it.
I want to thank the people of Toronto for trusting me as Mayor.
It has been the job of a lifetime, and while I have let them and my family down in this instance, I have nonetheless been deeply honoured by the opportunity to serve the people of this wonderful city and I believe I did some good for the city I truly love particularly during the pandemic.
I'm usually known for taking as many questions as you want, but on this occasion I'll let my statement speak for itself.
Thank you.
