“Today’s revelation that the City of Toronto CAO signed a sweetheart deal with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) leaves taxpayers with just one impression—something is rotten at city hall. This sweetheart deal would see taxpayers footing the bill for most of the costs related to the upcoming soccer matches. We need to fix this mess and get to the bottom of what happened.
I am calling on the four councillors running for mayor who were on council last term to answer for their dereliction of duty in protecting taxpayer’s interest. It's their only job, and they failed. This lack of transparency in the process leading up to the signing of the agreement was caused by all of council including city councillors like Ana Bailao, Josh Matlow, Anthony Perruzza, and Brad Bradford.
This MLSE sweetheart deal is the latest example of how Toronto City Council is dysfunctional, the city is on the wrong track and how none of those councillors should be the next mayor of Toronto
In a few weeks residents will be making their July 1st property tax payments and they should be outraged that the money they pay from their paycheques and pensions would possibly go to subsidize the venture of a billion-dollar corporation.
Today’s report raises concerns about the need for more transparency and accountability in the overall planning process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games. As mayor, I will have an open and transparent process to protect taxpayers every step of the way.
As mayor, the buck stops here. Delegating big decisions to city staff is a sign of weakness. If elected I will be a strong mayor.”
