“No agenda of any political stripe should tolerate such behaviour from its leadership and no democracy can flourish if it does.”

Ever since Mayor Rob Ford admitted to smoking crack and drinking and driving, since allegations emerged that he offered drug dealers money and a car in exchange for an embarrassing video, since he suggested a Star reporter was a pedophile and the chief of police had a political vendetta against him, there has been a conspicuous silence among Toronto’s leaders.

Torstar chair John Honderich decried the lack of outrage among Toronto’s elites in a column published late last year .

Following his call to action, the Star contacted 70 of the city’s civic leaders from business, culture, non-profit, academic and political spheres and asked them to go on the record about Ford’s behaviour and whether he remains fit for office.

If they did not wish to comment, we asked them to explain why.

In total, 51 people replied. Twenty-one declined to comment, 12 called on Ford to resign, 14 condemned or expressed concern about Ford’s conduct and four sent neutral comments that neither criticized nor defended the mayor. Not one of the civic leaders we contacted chose to defend the mayor publicly.

INTELLECTUAL

Tomas Axworthy, Senior Fellow at the Munk School and Massey College



Rob Ford’s behaviour has made Toronto the laughingstock of the world : (in November) city council rightly stripped him of his powers. This was not a question of ideology; conservatives on council who emphasized law and order, or a balanced budget, were as appalled by his behaviour as liberals motivated by social issues or environmental justice. We all await the judgment of voters next fall. But beyond the immediate personal and political fallout, Ford’s shenanigans illustrate a profound problem with modern society — how far we have deviated from the virtue of truthfulness.

Truthfulness is a necessary virtue for civilized society, writes Australian theologian Noel Preston in his book, Understanding Ethics . Preston’s argument is that, unsure of truth, we become distrustful. Distrust, in turn, disintegrates relationships. Trust in our elected representatives depends on whether you can believe in what they say and therefore give them the benefit of the doubt. This reciprocal trust is the glue that holds our democracy together.

Rob Ford has slowly but surely disintegrated this glue of trust by his penchant for evasion and deceit.

Richard Florida, Rotman School of Management











Rob Ford is the worst and most anti-urban mayor in the history of any major city. He is a stain on the long-lived reputation of Toronto as a progressive, inclusive, well-managed city. The effects of his disastrous reign will be felt in this city for many, many years to come.

I am shocked by the lack of outrage on the part of the city's elite at such a disastrous mayor. Anyone who cares about this city must not only strive to have him removed from office but to put in plan a 21st century governance structure for this great city.

For the great city of Toronto (he should) resign immediately.

John Ralston Saul, president, PEN International

Mr. Ford should resign immediately:

1. Once it is clear that an elected official has had some sort of relationship with organized crime, they should no longer hold public office, particularly that of chief magistrate of Canada’s largest city.

2. Once it is clear that an elected official has lied, and in this case lied repeatedly, to the public, they should resign immediately.

By “lie” I do not mean misleading the public over their policies or policy successes. Those are the standard elements of political debate. By “lie” I am referring to what the elected official has actually said or done. Mr. Ford has repeatedly lied both to council and to the public.

As to whether Mr. Ford has damaged Toronto’s reputation around the country and around the world, has damaged our ability to be taken seriously, damaged our ability to be thought of as a solid financial capital, as a place of cutting edge social experiment, as a place known for citizen involvement, the answer is, unfortunately, yes.

I am just back from three extended working trips to very different countries. Virtually every meeting, every conversation, began with people making fun of Toronto. By “fun” I do not mean light humour. I mean that people were doubting whether Toronto should be taken seriously. This, however, is not a reason for Mr. Ford to resign. But it is something for which he should be held politically responsible.

NON-PROFIT











Frances Lankin, former CEO, United Way

Rob Ford is wrong to foster divisions among citizens for electoral purposes. He is wrong to put his own self-interests above the integrity and honour of public office. His repeated lies about his own conduct, and his absolutely untruthful and bullying attacks on Daniel Dale and Bill Blair are reprehensible. His serial non-apologies are empty, insincere and meaningless. He should resign and allow Toronto to have an election focused on critical city building issues instead of superficial slogans, personal scandals and lies.

Rahul Bhardwaj, CEO, Toronto Community Foundation

Toronto is facing very challenging times. We know this because each year the Toronto Community Foundation releases its Toronto’s Vital Signs Report that provides a snapshot on the quality of life in Toronto. This year in my October speech to launch the report at the Canadian Club luncheon I noted some remarkable achievements in other cities and then posed the following question for Toronto:

“What do a highly functional city like Calgary and a once highly dysfunctional one like Bogota have in common? Strong political leadership and a singular vision.











Toronto frankly has neither. And there is no way we’re going to address the big, gnarly issues detailed in this year’s Vital Signs Report until we find that leadership and vision. Greatness, let alone getting-by-ness, doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of deliberate, intentional and cohesive action.”

Soon after the speech, Toronto was plunged into further controversy as Mayor Ford admitted that he had used illegal drugs while in office and then followed up with several serious gaffes including vulgar statements made in the media. I (later) commented in a CBC radio interview that “leadership is about tone at the top.” I also stated that leadership from the mayor fundamentally requires “respect for the office” and that we cannot “sugar-coat” the current mayor’s behaviour.

No agenda of any political stripe should tolerate such behaviour from its leadership and no democracy can flourish if it does. If you truly love this city you cannot stand by and watch it become so divided and brought into shame and disrepute, especially by the mayor. It is simply time for Mayor Ford to step down and for Torontonians to step up and vote to show what type of leadership they really want.

Mary-Jo Haddad, president, Sick Kids Hospital

Any matter that interferes with the reputation of our great city and its world-class institutions is concerning. Leadership at all levels must focus on the issues important to the economic and social vitality of our city.

Alan Broadbent, chairman, Maytree Foundation

Because Maytree is a charitable organization operating under Canada Revenue Agency regulations, we cannot take partisan positions on politicians (or endorse one politician over another) or political parties. We see our role as identifying, supporting and funding ideas, leaders and leading organizations that have the capacity to make change and advance the common good.

Having said that, in Mr. Broadbent’s opinion, it’s the role of our leaders to provide insights and ideas on how to run the city better. In his view, Toronto’s leaders have done this well.

Rob Prichard, chair, Metrolinx

I will decline your invitation to comment on Mayor Ford’s record and behaviour. I serve as Chair of Metrolinx and it is in that capacity that you identify me as a civic leader. Metrolinx’s mandate is to serve as the regional transportation agency and as Chair, I speak for the agency on these issues. We do not have a general mandate to comment on political developments in the region and as board members, we serve as public servants.

If I were to make a public comment, the views I express would undoubtedly be attributed to Metrolinx. To go beyond the mandate we have would be inappropriate, and for me to speak with personal views would be equally inappropriate in that those views would be conflated with the views of Metrolinx. I cannot separate my personal views on municipal and regional matters from my role as Chair of Metrolinx.

Matthew Teitelbaum, CEO, Art Gallery of Ontario

Declined comment.

Janet Carding, CEO, Royal Ontario Museum

Declined comment.

Sandy Houston, CEO, Metcalf Foundation

The Metcalf Foundation, as a private charitable foundation, is nonpartisan, and does not take public positions on issues of politics. Our role is to enable an array of voices within our city, and to use our financial and social capital to build a more sustainable, equitable and creative city. Consequently, I am not going to respond to the questions you have posed.

I do want to comment on the way your paper has decided to approach the issue of the silence around the current situation at City Hall. I agree that this is an important question, and one to be explored.

Your paper has done really important work on this issue. But I think you have missed an opportunity to explore an important question in a more imaginative, inclusive and positive way. You could have opened your paper to a variety of perspectives on the silence. You could have invited a range of views far beyond the traditional elite leadership to weigh in on the question of civic engagement, leadership and the complexities inherent in the commingling of a human tragedy and an institutional failure. This would have been a very useful contribution.

Anne Golden, former president, Conference Board of Canada











Declined comment due to her non-partisan roles with such organizations as the Transit Investment Strategy Advisory Panel.

BUSINESS

Peter Munk, chairman, Barrick Gold

Munk was travelling overseas and was unable to respond. But Munk was quoted in the Globe and Mail in November as saying: “I think that it’s time for him to step aside. He should do it for his family, for his city and for his country.”

Guy Laurence, CEO, Rogers Communications

A Rogers spokesperson said Laurence “has only been in the job for two weeks and has not met the mayor, so is not in a position to comment.”

Heather Reisman, CEO, Indigo Books and Music

Declined comment.

Ed Clark, CEO, TD Canada Trust

Declined comment.

Brian Porter, CEO, Scotiabank

Declined comment.

RELIGIOUS

Baruch Frydman-Kohl, president, Toronto Board of Rabbis

On Nov. 2, the prophetic reading chanted in synagogues was from the First Book of Samuel (chapter 20, verses 18-42). This scriptural selection tells of the growing alienation between King Saul and the young man who would become his successor, David. I explained to my congregation that King Saul was beset by inner demons and had become unstable. The anointed leader lashed out and could not control himself. Ultimately, he would lose his crown. I stated that the implication for Toronto and Mayor Ford was clear.

The following month, in Israel, many people asked me about the mayor, as his situation has brought Toronto municipal politics to the attention of the world. A public figure cannot completely divorce his private life from his official responsibilities. Mayor Ford has admitted to violating the law while in office. He attempted to deceive the public about his activities. He has brought dishonour to the City of Toronto.

Cardinal Thomas Collins, (Catholic) Archbishop of Toronto











Cardinal Collins respectfully declines the opportunity to comment on this story. We will continue to pray for all of our elected officials.

Colin Robert Johnson, (Anglican) Archbishop of Toronto

I read with interest John Honderich’s column when it was published in the Star on Dec. 5. I had already written to Mayor Ford on Nov. 15 offering my prayers, concern and pastoral advice in my capacity as the Anglican Bishop of Toronto. I do not believe that it is appropriate for me to share what that advice was, but I can say that he has not responded to my letter and it not apparent to me that he has fully taken the advice.

Politicians have an important role in our society and it is a detriment to democracy to stereotype them as self-serving or venal. All stereotypes diminish by attributing to a whole class the experiences or behaviours of a few individuals.

Most politicians I know have made significant personal sacrifices to contribute to making the communities they serve fair, effective and accountable. They enter politics because they want to make a real difference in the well-being of their constituents and the good of our society. It is important both to identify those who fail to live up to their responsibilities and to honour those who do.

Public trust and confidence are built up or destroyed by widely held perceptions much more than often-disputed “facts.” Trust, integrity and humility are the currency for effectiveness in the exercise of all leadership and ministry, whether in the realm of church, business or government. Many, but not all, public figures exercise this leadership that I believe they are called to and which we should expect.

Michael Kooiman, president, Toronto United Church Council

Reflecting on a series of apologies and the circumstances that prompted them, there is clearly cause for genuine concern, both for the office of mayor and for the well-being of the mayor himself. Of equal concern is the growing divide between the people who support the mayor and the people who can’t believe anyone could support the mayor. This increased lack of understanding between members of the community is an unhealthy trend.

Toronto United Church Council’s mandate to support “the betterment of the human condition” is best served by a city united in a desire to help others, and not polarized by a lack of mutual understanding.

Mohamed Farhad Khadim, president, Islamic Institute of Toronto











A spokesperson for the IIT said the current president, who serves in a volunteer capacity, works as an employee of the City of Toronto. It would therefore be inappropriate for him to comment on matters pertaining to the city’s mayor.

“Individual scholars have made various public statements through Friday sermons and at other forums referencing the controversy, especially as it relates to the wisdom in the prohibition of alcohol and similar mind-altering substances and the requirement of strong and stable leadership as taught to us by the prophetic examples.

Please note that IIT is a charitable organization and there are legislated limits to the type of ‘political’ or ‘advocacy’ activities that we may engage in.”

CULTURAL

Jim Cuddy, Blue Rodeo

You cannot raise a people up by dragging others down. We are in the midst of a total standstill in our complicated city because of an elected official who is trying to do just that. There are many things I object to in the leadership of Rob Ford.

The Metrolinx (Transit City project) should never have been cancelled and remains the single best way to improve transit in Toronto. I object to false claims of budget savings. It takes only 10 minutes on the Internet to dig up the real figures and realize that the mayor is selling a whole lot of fiction to his constituents and claiming them as real savings. I object to the lack of vision leading us. I object to the mayor picking fights with our police chief.

But mostly I object to the absence of dignity in the mayoral office. Mayor Ford labels his opponents lefties and socialists. He demeans the media by calling them maggots. He refuses to participate in Gay Pride. The list goes on and on. All but his most fervent followers are meant to feel tossed to the side. He lies and he blames and he avoids any responsibility for his actions. You cannot raise a people up by dragging others down and that is what the mayor attempts to do. His personal life is a mess and we are forced to be witnesses to the circus that surrounds him and that he seems to so enjoy.

Mayor Rob Ford was duly elected mayor of Toronto. He has, I believe, forfeited the right to continue in that office with his boorish bullying and criminal behaviour. The only sane thing for him to do is remove himself from office, retrieve his personal dignity and prepare to run again. The sanctity of the office demands it.

Janice Price, CEO, Luminato Festival

We believe that the council has dealt with the matter within its legal ability to do so. As a non-profit arts organization that is grateful for the support we receive from the City of Toronto and other public sector partners, we focus our efforts on maintaining a positive relationship with all parties and governments as we continue to make the case for the importance of the arts sector to our city’s quality of life and economy.

Piers Handling, CEO, TIFF

The City of Toronto is a steadfast supporter of TIFF and that relationship continues to thrive with the staff and elected officials at City Hall. As a not-for-profit arts organization, we have an annual economic impact of $189 million on the city of Toronto and we are focused on continuing to drive revenue for the city not only through the festival but through all of our year-round offerings. We will continue to work with our partners at City Hall to accomplish this goal in 2014.

UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE PRESIDENTS

Sheldon Levy, Ryerson

(Excerpts from a telephone interview)

Toronto is a hell of a lot better than a solution to a gravy train — but that’s what we elected.

Leadership is not a passive activity in which all you do is the business of the day. You attract and go after opportunities. (With Ford) these lost opportunities hurt our city … Moral leadership and the ability to be exemplary to younger people, to be able to speak to the city in a way that helps us as a city make difficult choices, this requires a person that everyone would look up to and there’s no way with his behaviour that everyone is looking up to him.

We’re taking 65 per cent on one side and 35 per cent on the other and having a fight … This isn’t city building; this is city fragmentation.

Meric Gertler, U of T

I am concerned that the current situation is diverting energy and attention away from the crucial work of city building. Toronto faces challenges and opportunities that demand concerted action, if we are to maintain and advance our standing among the world’s great urban regions. We need council’s undivided attention to these matters if we are to move forward successfully.

Mamdouh Shoukri, York

Declined comment.

Sara Diamond, OCAD

Despite the ongoing crisis with Toronto’s mayor, city council has made some excellent decisions in the last year including a promise of $25 per capita arts funding, which has meant increased dollars for the Toronto Arts Council in 2013; secure downtown bicycle parking; and investment in transit.

Despite city council’s ability to pull together, as a university leader I am very concerned about the negative role model that Mayor Rob Ford provides for young people. I also share the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s view that negative publicity will significantly damage Toronto’s economic, social and cultural capital.

David Agnew, Seneca

As the head of a publicly assisted higher education institution, I don’t comment on the record of politicians, their behaviour or their fitness for office.

However, I do comment on what I see as a significant issue in our democracy and our community: the declining participation rate in the political process, including elections.

I deeply believe that the rights we enjoy are accompanied by obligations, including engaging in community. A postsecondary education is an extraordinary advantage, and at Seneca we stress the need for our students – and our graduates – to use their talents, skills and experiences to help foster strong and healthy communities.

But as much as all of us have a role to play in building great communities, the future of the city, province and country is bigger than any one of us.

Perhaps a silver lining to the recent controversy will be an increased awareness of the importance of our democratic process so that we can reverse a dangerous trend of disengagement from politics.

It takes leadership at all levels, from community groups to the inner councils of government, to build and maintain a strong, vibrant society and economy that provides opportunity for everybody. That’s how Toronto can continue to be the heart of a great urban region.

Anne Sado, George Brown

As a member of the board of directors of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, my voice was represented in its Nov. 1 statement (asking Ford to take a leave of absence). As president of George Brown College my interest in municipal, provincial or federal politics relates to issues that impact our mandate to serve students and employers. We work with all levels of government and elected officials to do so.

The distractions of recent controversies at City Hall have not been helpful. I am anxious to see City Hall get back to business and to focus on issues of particular interest to Toronto students and employers: job growth and transportation.

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GOVERNMENT

André Marin, Ontario Ombudsman

Declined comment.

A spokesperson wrote: “The Ombudsman of Ontario oversees the delivery of provincial government services; he does not oversee politicians, and the City of Toronto is not in his jurisdiction.”

Peter Kent, former (Conservative) federal environment minister

WHENEVER A REPORTER FOR THE TORONTO STAR MIGHT WISH TO ASK FOR MY THOUGHTS ON AN ISSUE OF THE DAY, I STAND READY TO RESPOND.

HOWEVER, AND DESPITE YOUR “EXTENDED DEADLINE” I WILL NOT ANSWER THE DEMANDS IN YOUR LETTER OF DECEMBER 16TH, 2013, WHICH I CONSIDER TO BE A CRUDELY CRAFTED, VEILED THREAT THAT I (AND OTHERS) ENDORSE AN EDITORIAL COLUMN WRITTEN BY TORSTAR CHAIR JOHN HONDERICH . . . OR FACE CONSEQUENCES IN YOUR EVENTUAL STORY.

YOUR LETTER IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF WHAT MIGHT BEST BE DESCRIBED AS CRUSADE JOURNALISM; A NEWSPAPER'S ATTEMPT TO IMPOSE ITS EDITORIAL WILL FAR BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF ACCEPTABLE JOURNALISTIC PRACTICE.

MR. HONDERICH IS CERTAINLY ENTITLED TO HIS OPINION.

I WILL NOT BE BULLIED INTO COMMENTING ON THAT OPINION.

YOUR MANNER OF NEWS-GATHERING IS, I BELIEVE, AN UNFORTUNATE EXAMPLE OF THE DECLINE OF A CRAFT I ONCE PROUDLY PRACTISED.

FORMER POLITICIANS

Greg Sorbara, former (Liberal) Ontario finance minister

There is a growing consensus among the residents of Toronto (and those like me who live on the city’s edge and work here) that Rob Ford should resign as Mayor. Ford has lost the moral authority to remain in office. He has brought disgrace to the mayoralty and made Toronto the subject of ridicule around the world. We all know the history — the drug use, the underworld associations, the “drunken stupors,” the bullying, the lies, the abuse of staff members, the unrelenting attacks on those who would criticize his conduct, and the gross misrepresentation of what has been accomplished during his tenure.

Rob Ford has got to go. But, of course, he will not. And this is what is most astonishing. This is a new reality for Canada. That a politician who has so completely debased and dishonoured himself and his office can nevertheless tenaciously cling to power.

Every standard that once applied to officeholders has been turned upside down. It once was the case that a mayor’s ethical responsibility — and that of every elected representative — was to protect and enhance the integrity of his or her office. To be a beacon of good behaviour. Rob Ford’s standard is to cling to the chains of office despite breaching almost every conceivable standard of good behaviour.

I know about this in a very personal way. In October 2005, I stepped down as Ontario minister of finance as a result of an RCMP investigation into a company on whose board I sat in 1998. While I knew that there was no basis for including me in the investigation I resigned because protecting the integrity of the office I held far outweighed protecting my personal career and reputation. Several months later, when the RCMP allegations were determined to be baseless, I returned to my duties.

Heaven help us if the Rob Ford standard becomes the new normal in Canada.

The question is what can individual citizens do. The answer is simple. They can get involved — both individually and in coalition. They can demand Rob Ford resign. If, as expected, he will not, they can get involved in ensuring that he will never again be elected to any office let alone the office of mayor of this great city. They can get involved in bringing this nightmare to an end — if not tomorrow then when ballots are cast next October.

This city deserves better.

Art Eggleton, Liberal senator and former Toronto mayor

John Honderich is wrong. I have made numerous comments in media interviews over the past year or more about the conduct and behaviour of Mayor Ford. With the election coming later this year it is time for the people of Toronto to decide who can best lead our city going forward. I will not be supporting Mayor Ford’s re-election.

June Rowlands, former mayor

(excerpts from a telephone interview)

I didn’t vote for him. I’ve always considered him a political fraud and I’m afraid that’s what he’s turned out to be. He appears to have no sense of shame and no regard for the truth. His behaviour has really been quite disgraceful. I think he’s done harm to the city.

I think politically there really should be something that the provincial government can do to shut him up.

His lack of any regard for the truth is fundamentally the worst.

He should be forced to resign.

Barbara Hall, former mayor











I love this city and watch it closely, sometimes with joy and pride, other times concern. However, in my current position as chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, I am unable to comment on the politics or political issues in relation to any order of government … sometimes that is difficult.

David Crombie, former mayor and former PC MP

I supported city council’s decisions with respect to Mayor Ford’s behaviour and applauded them for their admirable sense of duty and for reminding us of the importance of a central democratic principle at the heart of our civic government — the supremacy of the democratically elected council.

Of course he should resign. It is in the absence of his resignation that council took its responsibility and thereby reasserted our traditional principle of council supremacy.

John Sewell, former mayor

Rob Ford’s continued presence in the mayor’s office says the city is led by someone unpredictable and unpleasant, someone who consorts with criminals. I believe he should be removed from office.

There’s no question that Rob Ford’s behaviour, and the support of his brother Doug Ford, is a strong part of the dysfunction at city hall. But suppose one turned it around, away from the idea that Rob Ford was the cause of the dysfunction. Maybe he is the result of the dysfunction.

Trying to just deal with Rob Ford as a rogue isn’t good enough: the problem will reappear in the future, and the decline in the city’s health that Mayor Rob Ford’s presence indicates will accelerate.

David Peterson, former Liberal premier of Ontario

I’m not going to participate and the reason is I’m a public servant. I’m chairman of the Pan Am Games. I’m not going to get involved in partisan stuff. My job is to build relationships between the city, the province and the federal government and all the various parties they’re in.

I wouldn’t be serving my number one public responsibility getting involved in a partisan way. When I signed up for this, I don’t have the freedom of expressing my point of view on anybody anymore. My job is to build bridges not to tear them down.

Mike Harris, former PC premier

Declined comment due to conflicts at his law firm.

Bob Rae, former NDP premier

The mayor is a disgrace to public office. He has lied, attacked those who have told the truth, consorted with criminals, and consistently conducted himself in a manner inconsistent with the duties and responsibilities of being mayor.

His erratic and bullying behaviour has made a mockery of the city. Toronto deserves a different and better mayor, and I shall be supporting whoever I feel has the best chance to defeat Rob Ford.

The point is he won’t resign. But of course he should.

Bill Davis, former premier

I’m restricting my comments to the mayor where I live (Brampton) — and she knows well how I feel.

CABINET MINISTERS FROM THE GTA

Michael Chan, Ontario minister of tourism, culture and sport

I am deeply troubled by the allegations surrounding Mayor Rob Ford. It’s not good for our kids. It’s not good for Toronto’s reputation. But as the premier pointed out — Toronto is more than just one politician. The city and its residents will not be defined by these recent events.

Kathleen Wynne, Liberal premier of Ontario

Staff at the premier’s office referred to previous comments she had made in November and said she would not add to them:

“The concern for me is that city council can function and it seems today that that’s exactly what’s happening. I see that city council is making decisions and they are determined ... to find a way to make that work.

“I think that the mayor needs to pay very close attention to the messages that he’s getting from his councillors and my hope is that he would take his lead from their advice.

“I believe Toronto is not defined by one person, by one politician . . . I’m very concerned about the human element of this. A person who is struggling in his life, as far as I can tell, and so I hope that he will look after himself.”

Brad Duguid, Ont. minister of training, colleges and universities

Staff in the minister’s office referred to previous statements he made:

“It is time for the mayor to step aside … I think it has been very disruptive to us all.

“I think we all know, I think Torontonians know, this has been challenging for our city. It has been embarrassing; it has not been good for our reputation.”

Linda Jeffrey, Ont. municipal affairs minister

I find these allegations deeply troubling and our government continues to monitor the situation. The province has a responsibility to listen carefully to Toronto City Council. I believe it is important that Toronto City Council continue to function and that is why we continue to watch developments closely. The Toronto police have rules that govern their investigation and I have full confidence in that process and their ongoing investigation. As the premier said Toronto is more than just one politician, the city and its residents will not be defined by these recent events.

Eric Hoskins, Ont. economic development minister

The most important thing is that city council is able to function. But like the premier has said, Toronto is more than any one politician – and as residents of Toronto, we won’t be defined by these events. Ultimately, I believe that politicians — myself included — have been given an enormous level of responsibility. We owe it to the people we serve to take that responsibility seriously and to deliver on the trust they’ve placed in us.

Michael Coteau, Ont. immigration minister

(In November) allegations surrounding the mayor’s behavior arose as an issue in Toronto. Many constituents in my riding have expressed that they find the matters concerning. Our government is continuing to pay close attention to this situation at the City of Toronto as it unfolds. The residents of Toronto elected the mayor and city council to serve the City of Toronto. Ultimately, the elected officials at the municipal level are accountable to these residents.

The premier has remarked that Toronto is more than one politician. Toronto is a resilient, diverse and world-class city. As a proud resident, I have confidence in the people of this great city in choosing their future leaders. With 2014 on the horizon, the voters of Toronto will be in the best position to decide who will lead the city.

Tracey MacCharles, Ont. minister of consumer services

No comment.

Julian Fantino, federal veterans’ affairs minister

Declined comment.

DID NOT RESPOND

Galen G. Weston , Executive Chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited.

Larry Tanenbaum , chairman, MLSE

David Mirvish , head of Mirvish Productions

Leo, Elvio, Angelo DelZotto , co-founders, Tridel

George Cope , CEO, Bell Canada

Robert Deluce , CEO, Porter Airlines

Gord Nixon , CEO, RBC

Gerald T. McCaughey , CEO, CIBC

David Miller , former Toronto mayor

Mel Lastman , former mayor

Dalton McGuinty , former premier

Jim Flaherty , federal finance minister

Joe Oliver , federal natural resources minister

Chris Alexander , federal immigration minister

Glen Murray , Ont. transportation minister

David Zimmer , Ont. aboriginal affairs minister

Mario Sergio , Ont. Minister Responsible for Seniors

Pinball Clemens , former Toronto Argonaut