Toronto City Council voted 19-1 on Thursday evening to hold a byelection in Scarborough-Rouge Park, following a recommendation from Mayor Olivia Chow.
Background
The decision to hold the byelection comes after Jennifer McKelvie, who represented Ward 25 at Toronto City Hall, was elected as the Liberal MP for Ajax. The byelection will fill her vacant seat.
Mayor Chow’s Statement
Mayor Chow emphasized the importance of local democracy, stating:
"It would be difficult to ask Torontonians in Ward 25 for an appointment with roughly a year-and-a-half before the next regular municipal election. I’m recommending we decide to hold the byelection, because I think it’s important to respect local democracy and let the residents of Scarborough-Rouge Park decide who will represent them at City Hall."
Council Response
The council largely supported Mayor Chow’s recommendation, with only Jon Burnside voting against it. The vote occurred shortly before the council took an evening break.
Attendance
Five councillors were absent from the meeting, with one, Parthi Kandavel, declaring a conflict of interest due to his wife, Anu Sriskandarajah, considering a run for the vacant seat.
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