Ottawa threatens to ‘work around’ Queen’s Park

OTTAWA — The federal government says it will do whatever it can to protect Torontonians from the “vindictive and destructive” actions taken by the new Ford government.

Adam Vaughan, a Toronto Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary for urban affairs, says Premier Doug Ford is plunging Toronto into chaos at a time when it needs stability the most.

Ford announced Friday morning that his government will introduce legislation to cut the number of Toronto city councillors from 47 to 25, aligning city wards with federal ridings.

Ford said having fewer city councillors will improve the decision-making process at Toronto’s city hall, and save taxpayers $25 million over four years.

It’s a surprising move and one that Ford didn’t raise while campaigning for premier. A failed mayoral candidate himself, and a single-term city councillor, Ford defended his decision by pointing to an election promise to reduce the size and cost of government.

Vaughan said the proposal is “reckless, irresponsible” and tosses Toronto into a political storm when it needs leadership on critical files such as asylum seekers, gangs and shootings, transit and housing.

Vaughan said Ford is taking these actions because “he doesn’t like Toronto” and accused him of “breaking” the city. He insisted the city is too important for the federal government to “stand idly by and let this happen.”

“We may not be able to change the electoral map, but you can be damn sure we’re going to make sure the city of Toronto is protected in terms of its role in providing all kinds of opportunities and a home for millions of Canadians,” said Vaughan.

“If we have to work around Queen’s Park, we will ... Because at the end of the day Torontonians are Canadians, too, and the Canadian government has a responsibility to protect Canadians, especially when people are taking such vindictive and destructive actions towards them.”

In reaction to Ford’s decision, the Prime Minister’s Office said the government “will continue to be a strong partner with the City of Toronto.”