OPINIONS

The Washington Post’s slogan is “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” Democracy also dies in Ontario thanks to Premier Doug Ford’s “Strong Mayor Powers” legislation. The Ford government has granted Strong Mayor Powers to 46 municipalities since September 2022, when the powers were first granted to Toronto and Ottawa. In December 2022, Bill 39 was passed, clearing the way for the powers to be extended to other Ontario municipalities, if they agreed to accept the government’s ho

Posted on June 16, 2023| By MPP Schreiner Constit Office | In News GUELPH — MPP Mike Schreiner made the following statement in response to news that 26 new municipalities will be receiving undemocratic strong mayor powers. “Let’s be clear. The Premier’s attack on local democracy is not a solution to Ontario’s housing crisis. It wasn’t when these so-called strong mayor powers were first floated last year, and it isn’t now. If this government wants to solve the housing crisis,

In an April 30, 2025 opinion piece by Phil Pothen published by Environmental Defence, the author outlines the dangers of strong mayor powers with respect to farmland in rural communities in Ontario, as well as the "unique risks" faced by small towns.

John Best, of the Bay Observer, suggested on October 25th, 2023 that Premier Ford "drop the strong mayor policy - an undemocratic measure which denies voters adequate representation."

The following was published as a letter to the editor on durhamregion.com on July 5, 2023 from Steve Parish, former mayor of Ajax. As a former longtime mayor and as a citizen with a lifelong interest in municipal governance, I must express my concerns with the granting of strong-mayor powers by the province.