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Toronto city councillors approve 24 per cent pay raise for themselves

On Thursday, Toronto city councillors voted 15-8, with three abstentions, to approve a staff-recommended 24 per cent pay raise for themselves, effective January 1, 2025.
The pay raise, the first since 2006 excluding inflation adjustments, was prompted by a staff report from the city's chief people officer, Mary Madigan-Lee, justifying the increase based on the unique demands placed on city councillors and aiming to bring Toronto council pay into the 75th percentile of elected officials in comparable municipalities.
The approved increase raises the base salary from $137,537.40 to $170,588.60, costing the city an estimated $956,816.30 in salaries and benefits in 2025, with the pay per constituent currently at $1.08, while councillors in Markham receive $5.24 per constituent.
While supporters like Chris Moise believe the requested salary is reasonable given the demanding nature of the job, Stephen Holyday opposed the increase, expressing concerns that it would erode public confidence in government during uncertain economic times, stating, "I just believe that, if we do this, it further erodes people's confidence in government. And I don't think we should do it".
Despite the union representing almost 30,000 city workers stating that councillors deserve fair compensation, Mayor Olivia Chow, who was absent for the vote, called the pay hike 'a bit steep' and 'an irresponsible move' given the affordability crisis, suggesting a third party should make decisions on salary increases.

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National Post

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