The Premier says Toronto shouldn't have to wait until after the municipal election to see "real action"
Saturday was another day of letter-writing between Mayor John Tory and Premier Doug Ford - this time, the Premier penning a note to Tory.
Ford has once again asked Tory to address the issue of gun violence at Monday's upcoming council meeting, as well as match the province's investment of $25-million to fund initiatives that fight guns and gangs.
In previous letters between the two, Tory had told Ford that the August 20 (Monday) meeting would focus on what to do now that city council has officially been cut nearly in half.
Now, Ford is asking Tory to reconsider this decision, or hold a separate meeting to discuss gun violence before the October 22 municipal election, as Ford says Torontonians shouldn't "be forced to wait until after the next municipal election to see real action against the menace of guns and gangs."
"It is disappointing that you refuse to bring this issue before City Council for consideration and action," Ford writes.
But the Premier told CP24 Saturday afternoon that he and Tory mostly see eye to eye on these types of issues.
"We're always on the same page," he said. "We may disagree sometimes, but we've known each other long enough. He picks up the phone, we talk to each other frequently and we'll get the job done - together we will."
Ford said he spoke to the Mayor personally Saturday afternoon, and that Tory committed to addressing the guns and gangs problem.
"Our point is, the guns and gangs - it's like the wild west out there. We don't need it in January, we need it now. And I know the Mayor feels the same way."
Tory says, ultimately, he won't be writing any more letters.
"I'm really focused on making sure we take the actions to invest in the community and in kids and families to make sure we change some of the laws, to tighten up the gun laws - and to invest in resources for our police," he said.
"We're going to do all that - we're just doing it. I don't think we need a lot of meetings to do it, I don't think we need a lot of letters to do it, we're just doing it, and I think that's what people want to see."
The following is Ford's most recent letter to Tory:
Dear Mayor Tory:
I thank you for your response to my recent letter. As you know Toronto has experienced record levels of gun violence this summer. Toronto residents have been shaken by the tragic events and violence we have all witnessed in the last number of months. Now, more than ever, is the time to work collaboratively and provide the resources and tools our police officers need to keep Toronto streets safe. This is why, within one month of taking office, we were proud to stand with Toronto Police and make an unprecedented investment of $25 million in funding that will be strategically targeted to the areas of greatest impact. While this funding will provide much needed tools and resources, more must be done.
As Mayor you have the power to bring this issue before City Council and match our investment, a move that would further assure Toronto residents that their municipal government takes the fight against guns and gangs as seriously as the Province of Ontario does. It is disappointing that you refuse to bring this issue before City Council for consideration and action. The fact that the special meeting you have called will focus on saving the jobs of politicians, instead of addressing options to deliver more resources to the fight against guns and gangs is telling.
Once again I implore you to bring the issue of new funding before City Council, on August 20th or shortly thereafter. As mayor you have the power to call a special meeting of Council, within 24 hours, to address the fight against guns and gangs in Toronto. The residents of Toronto should not be forced to wait until after the next municipal election to see real action against the menace of guns and gangs.
I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Doug Ford
Premier