Toronto mayor opposes proposed 25% salary increase

Toronto councillors are set to vote on a proposed pay raise, the first since 2006. The recommended raise is about 25%, increasing their salary from approximately $137,500 to around $170,600. This would cost the city around $950,000 this year in salaries and benefits. Mayor Olivia Chow has expressed her opposition to the increase, stating that it is too high amid economic uncertainty and tariffs. She argues that it is not the right time for such a raise, despite a staff report suggesting it is justified due to the demands on councillors overseeing Canada's largest municipal budget. The report indicates that Toronto councillors earn less than 40% of their peers in similar cities. If the raise is approved, Toronto councillors would move to the 75th percentile of pay for municipal representatives in comparable cities. The report compared pay in Toronto with that in nine other municipalities, showing that Markham councillors, though representing fewer residents, earn the highest salaries per constituent. Some councillors believe the pay increase is overdue. Councillor Jamaal Myers argues that Toronto councillors are underpaid compared to other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area. Councillor Anthony Perruzza noted that since the number of councillors was reduced in 2018, their workloads have significantly increased, indicating a need for fair compensation. The vote will take place on Wednesday, following the report's recommendations.