John Tory arrived at city hall before sunrise on Monday and got straight to work on his first day as mayor of Toronto.

Tory’s first official act was a meeting with Premier Kathleen Wynne, a decision he called “no mistake.”

The meeting between the new mayor and the premier had special significance as Wynne had severed ties with former mayor Rob Ford soon after the crack scandal broke and city council stripped him of most of his powers.

Throughout the election campaign Tory touted his ability to work with all levels of government.

Ford has been seldom seen since being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, which led him to drop his bid for another term as mayor, although he did win a seat on council.

He issued a statement Sunday thanking the people of Toronto for their support while he was mayor and vowing to continue fighting against what he called “extravagance, wastefulness, and a general disrespect for both the taxpayers and their hard-earned dollars.”

At a news conference following their meeting, Tory and Wynne took questions in English and French, another stark departure from what Torontonians are used to from their chief magistrate.

Tory said he and Wynne had mostly discussed his SmartTrack transit plan and housing issues.

Premier having a very friendly meeting w Mayor John Tory at Queen’s Park #topoli pic.twitter.com/ZQmYjWi2sF — Cynthia Mulligan (@CityCynthia) December 1, 2014

Though no final conclusions or decisions came out of Monday’s meeting, both leaders agreed it was the beginning of a productive relationship.

“This first meeting is hopefully the first of many,” Tory said.

“It was a very good meeting and I’m very happy to be here.”

Wynne suggested her government’s priorities on transit are aligned with Tory’s, saying she believes Canada needs a national transit strategy.

Council appointments

Ahead of Tuesday’s first city council meeting, the new mayor is already fending off criticism of some of his key appointments.

Though Tory stressed he intends to work with every member of council, he was asked to defend the perception that he had mostly shut council’s left-wing out of his inner circle.

Tory said his appointment of Pam McConnell as a regional deputy for downtown was “very significant in my eyes.”

He also announced that he had asked McConnell to spearhead a poverty reduction strategy, an oft-touted file for Tory.

Tory has named 20-year council veteran Denzil Minnan-Wong as his deputy mayor, but also moved to appoint regional deputies, including McConnell.

Vincent Crisanti, a Rob Ford ally, will represent Etobicoke and left-leaning Glenn De Baeremaeker will serve as Scarborough’s deputy.

The deputies will each represent a region of the city and be responsible for keeping the mayor briefed on local issues.

“It’s not just about symbolism” Mayor John Tory on appointing 4 DepMayors who each rep different part of city #topoli pic.twitter.com/VFgASrEuyg — Cynthia Mulligan (@CityCynthia) December 1, 2014

The agenda has been released, including information on Tory’s executive committee.

John Tory says he’s not sure he will ever get used to being called “Mr Mayor” #topoli pic.twitter.com/Cqi5sWqqG7 — Cynthia Mulligan (@CityCynthia) December 1, 2014

Tory’s executive committee will be comprised of eight men and four women.

James Pasternak will head community development and recreation, Michael Thompson stays on as economic development chair, David Shiner takes on planning and growth, Jaye Robinson will be leading public works, Paul Ainslie will chair the government management committee, Cesar Palacio stays on as municipal licensing and standards chair, and Michelle Berardinetti will helm parks and environment. In addition, Gary Crawford, Ana Bailao, Mary-Margaret McMahon and Frank Di Giorgio will be members at-large.

Josh Colle, Ward 15, Eglinton-Lawrence, will reportedly head the TTC. Scarborough’s Crawford will be budget chief and Frances Nunziata will be asked to stay on in her role as speaker.

First day of new City Council term and ready to get to work and tackle new portfolio as PWIC Chair! #TOPoli — Jaye Robinson (@JayeRobinson) December 1, 2014

With files from The Canadian Press