John Howard Tory is a prominent lawyer, broadcaster, businessman, and politician who served as the mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023. A significant figure in Ontario’s political and business circles, Tory participated in various political campaigns and enjoyed widespread recognition across Canada. Learn more about John Tory’s life and career in this article, based on torontoyes.com.
Childhood
John Tory was born on May 28, 1954, in Toronto. His family was well-established in the city; both his father and grandfather held leading positions in law and business. Tory’s grandfather founded Torys LLP, now one of Canada’s largest law firms and, as of 2023, a global leader.
John’s father was also a lawyer but eventually left the family firm to serve as the chief financial advisor to Ken Thomson at Thomson Corporation.
Tory attended the University of Toronto Schools for high school and later enrolled at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1972. During his studies, he gained his first broadcasting experience, working as a radio reporter at local stations CFTR and CHFI-AM.
From Law to Politics
In 1978, Tory graduated from the Osgoode Hall Law School at York University and joined the family firm, then known as Torys LLP. By 1981, he left the firm to enter politics, serving as the principal secretary to Ontario Premier Bill Davis. He later became associate secretary of the Ontario Cabinet. In 1985, Tory was appointed advisor to Canada’s special envoy on acid rain.
Tory returned to Torys LLP in 1986, becoming the firm’s managing partner. By 1988, he was appointed campaign director for Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s successful federal election. After Mulroney’s resignation in 1993, Tory led the campaign for Kim Campbell, Mulroney’s successor.
In 1995, Tory left politics to pursue a career in business. He became the CEO of Rogers Media Inc. By 1999, he was appointed president and CEO of Rogers Cable Inc., Canada’s largest television and internet provider at the time.
In 2003, Tory re-entered politics, running for mayor of Toronto but losing to David Miller. In 2004, he was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and became a Member of Parliament in 2005.
Mayor of Toronto
In 2014, John Tory ran for mayor during the final months of Rob Ford’s troubled term. Ford, who was seeking re-election, had been stripped of his powers after admitting to drug use while in office.
Tory’s campaign promised to address Toronto’s pressing transportation issues, build dedicated bike lanes, and maintain low property taxes. His proposals resonated with voters, and Tory was elected mayor.
During his first term, Tory spearheaded initiatives to reduce poverty and expand affordable housing in Toronto. He also restored several transit services that had been cut under the previous administration.
In 2018, Tory ran for a second term, focusing on affordable housing, investments in arts and culture, and new road safety measures.
Tory played a pivotal role in Toronto’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city recorded its first case of the virus on January 23, 2020. Under Tory’s leadership, Toronto declared a state of emergency in March 2020 and implemented mandatory mask mandates that summer. Tory oversaw the city’s vaccination rollout, ensuring its success.
In 2022, John Tory was re-elected for a third term as mayor. However, his tenure was abruptly cut short.
In February 2023, Toronto Star reported that Tory had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member during his time in office. Shortly after the article’s publication, Tory publicly confirmed the allegations.
Tory remained in office until February 15, 2023, overseeing the approval of Toronto’s 2023 budget. On February 17, 2023, he officially resigned and stepped down as mayor.