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John Tory

John Howard Tory is a Canadian lawyer, broadcaster, businessman, and former politician who served as mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

John Howard Tory is a Canadian lawyer, broadcaster, businessman, and former politician who served as mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023. He also led the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party from 2004 to 2009 and was Leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario from 2005 to 2007.

Early life and education

John Tory was born in Toronto and came from a prominent Toronto family connected to the law firm Torys. He studied at the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School.

Business and broadcasting career

Before becoming mayor, Tory worked in law, business, and broadcasting. He served in senior roles at Rogers Media and Rogers Cable and was also commissioner of the Canadian Football League.

Provincial political career

Tory became leader of Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party in 2004 and entered provincial parliament in 2005. He also served as Leader of the Official Opposition until 2007.

Mayor of Toronto

Tory was elected mayor of Toronto in 2014 and later won re-election. His mayoralty ended in 2023 when he resigned following the disclosure of an affair with a staff member.

Key facts

  • Born in Toronto in 1954.
  • Worked as a lawyer and business executive before entering frontline politics.
  • Led the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party from 2004 to 2009.
  • Served as a Member of Provincial Parliament from 2005 to 2007.
  • Was elected mayor of Toronto in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022.
  • Resigned as mayor in February 2023 after acknowledging an affair with a staff member.
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Canadian context

John Tory is a significant figure in Ontario and Toronto politics, with a career spanning provincial leadership, municipal government, and Canadian business and broadcasting.

Frequently asked questions

Who is John Tory?
John Tory is a Canadian lawyer, broadcaster, businessman, and former politician who served as mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023.
What political party did John Tory lead?
He led the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party from 2004 to 2009.
When was John Tory mayor of Toronto?
He served as mayor from 2014 until his resignation in 2023.
What other public roles did John Tory hold?
He was Leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario from 2005 to 2007 and briefly served as a Member of Provincial Parliament.
Why did John Tory resign as mayor?
He resigned in February 2023 after admitting to an affair with a staff member.

References

  1. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/john-tory
    Supports: Birth date and place; career in law, business, broadcasting, and politics; mayor of Toronto; PC leadership; resignation in 2023.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Tory
    Supports: Full name; mayoral term; PC leadership; official opposition leadership.
  3. TIFF — https://tiff.net/board/john-tory
    Supports: Career details in law, Rogers, CFL, education, and community roles.