Bill 3 will give sweeping new powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa with the goal of speeding up approving housing projects. Critics say the bill is an undemocratic overreach, and could in fact politicize and slow down the process by turning neutral city staff into lackeys of the mayor. "What happens when your mayor calls women reporters 'bitches?'" The Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act will allow the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa to veto council decisions, create the city's budget, hire and fire senior staff, and create and reorganize key departments, committees and boards. He said he hopes the government consults with municipalities before expanding the bill to more cities.

Source: CBC News September 08, 2022 16:10 UTC