An editorial by guest writer Paul Hubert
Amid the 2026 mayoral race, the topic of strong mayor powers has emerged as a key issue. Not so much whether we should have it, but how and when to use it. What guardrails should there be?
Mayor Josh Morgan has tried to use strong mayor powers several times this past council term, with mixed success. Attempts to fast-track projects such as high-density development on municipally owned parking lots or development charge rebates for homeownership have run into procedural, environmental or community roadblocks. Strong mayor powers were used to jump-start the homeless micro-home shelter project and introduce the budget.
Councilor Susan Stevenson complains that council was not involved in the Homeless Community Plan and seeks greater transparency and accountability. However, she states that she would unilaterally terminate the council’s only employee, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
One would assume she would also then hire a new CAO of her choosing who agrees with her and will do her bidding. Where does this leave council? What role does the Mayor have in the hiring and performance management of the CAO? One could naturally see this extending to the senior staff and deputy CAOs.
The heads of road, planning, finance, social services and housing all bring extensive training and expertise to their roles. This expertise is built over decades. I don’t suggest senior staff get a free pass. They must execute council’s direction and report back to council in a clear, transparent and timely manner. How then does strong mayor powers impact the independence and professionalism of staff?
Should strong mayor powers be used to bend council to the mayor’s will when there are differences of opinion?
Councils are rarely unified. They reflect the diversity of the community’s voices. Tension is often part of decision-making, and vigorous debate is a sign of health.
South of the border, we have seen overreach in the President’s use of executive orders. This bypasses democratically elected representatives, silences dissent and opens the door to groupthink.
Strong mayor powers should be used sparingly, as a last resort. The Canadian Constitution includes the notwithstanding clause, which, while available, was intended as an exceptional measure rather than a routine tool of government.
One of the most critical issues then becomes the very character of the person. Mayors would do well to lean into their power of persuasion, legislative prowess and access to subject-matter expertise through senior staff.
Community-based democracy is always gritty and messy. Vision, collaboration, and a sense of city-building should drive the decision-making process.
Paul Hubert, M.A.
Paul Hubert served as City Councillor and Deputy Mayor representing Ward 8 from 2006 to 2018.
How much will terminating the CAO cost the city? If the answer isn’t “zero dollars”, Stevenson should be widely pilloried. She should be pilloried regardless, as we need to remember that there’s a human being behind the position. A human with bills and responsibilities. A human with a family of some sort. (I will admit that I don’t know anything about the person behind the job). But imagine just doing your job and hearing someone threatening your job security online. On the radio. That alone should be disqualifying.