John Tory resigns from Rogers board, declares other interests

Mayor-elect John Tory has kept his promise to resign from the board of directors of Rogers Communications ahead of his swearing-in next week.

“In my view, one cannot hold the position of mayor and also devote the appropriate time required to be a director of a public company. Accordingly, I have resigned from that position,” Tory said in a statement on Friday.

“I have also resigned from the board of Metro Inc.”

Tory said he would still play a role in Rogers family trusts and private boards out of respect to the late Ted Rogers.

“Before his death, I gave my word to Ted Rogers that I would act in this capacity so long as I was able, and out of a sense of moral obligation to my late friend, I do not intend to resign from these positions,” he said.

Due to his son John’s job in the airline industry, Tory won’t take part in any votes on Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

 

And he declared his wife Barbara Hackett’s home renovation business Stratheden Homes Ltd. as an interest.

His said he has other personal and family investments in publicly-traded corporations, but his lawyers said none raises an issue under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

“I am confident, and my legal counsel agrees, that these steps allow me to be in full compliance with the law and, in some cases, exceed its requirements,” he said.

“I believe that’s what the public expects of its elected officials and as mayor I intend to lead by example.”

He said he also sought the advice of Integrity Commissioner Valerie Jepson and will continue to do so.

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Below is John Tory’s statement declaring his interests.

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Below is a letter to Tory from Jepson about his interests.

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