To save money in Chicago, Toronto councillor Jaye Robinson shared a room at a mid-priced hotel with councillor Michelle Berardinetti.Moe Doiron/The Globe and Mail
Rob Ford has removed Councillor Jaye Robinson from his executive committee, the only member of the cabinet-like body who has persistently criticized the mayor's response to the drug allegations that have engulfed city hall.
Mr. Ford's office put out a brief statement late Monday announcing a series of committee changes, including the appointment of Councillor Anthony Perruzza as chair of the community development and recreation committee and the removal of Ms. Robinson from that position. She was not given another job on the executive.
In the same announcement, Councillor Paul Ainslie was removed from the key post of chair of the government management committee. Norm Kelly will take over that file, while Mr. Ainslie will replace Mr. Kelly as chair of the parks and environment committee.
The mayor's office did not provide a reason for Ms. Robinson's ouster, although in a written statement, Mr. Ford stated: "These changes will help my administration continue delivering results for the taxpayers of Toronto."
Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday said he was disappointed by Ms. Robinson's removal from executive and described her as an "astute" councillor who was one of the few who "stood up" to the pressure during the most recent budget debate when there was a push to add millions more dollars for firefighters.
Ms. Robinson, who declined to answer questions Monday, will hold a news conference Tuesday morning.
Councillor Doug Ford refused to discuss Monday's news with The Globe and Mail, but denied that Ms. Robinson's remarks about the mayor had anything to do with the decision to remove her from the executive in an interview with CP24.
Ms. Robinson has spoken out in recent weeks saying the mayor must address unanswered questions about the exodus of staff from his office and allegations he appeared to be smoking crack cocaine on a video that was viewed by two news organizations but has not surfaced. She urged him to step aside at least for the summer in order to address his personal issues.
The mayor has said he does not use crack cocaine and is not an addict, but has refused to answer further questions.
Councillor Ford recently singled out Ms. Robinson in a broadcast interview for missing a meeting, even though she was ill that day.
Asked why he mentioned Ms. Robinson when three other councillors also were away, the mayor's brother responded, "I find it ironic that Councillor Robinson is telling the mayor, well just step away from his office and take a month break when she can't even make it into city hall for a meeting."
Ms. Robinson's ouster means there are no women on Mr. Ford's 13-member executive committee or chairing a standing committee. The two women who remain in leadership positions are Karen Stintz, who as chair of the TTC was appointed by council, and Frances Nunziata, a loyal supporter of the Ford administration, who is the council's Speaker.
The mini-shuffle follows a string of high-profile departures from Mr. Ford's office, including the firing of his chief of staff, Mark Towhey. Mr. Ford's press secretary and assistant have also left the mayor's office, as well as three other staffers. The Globe and Mail also reported last week that former campaign manager Nick Kouvalis has said he won't run the mayor's re-election bid unless Mr. Ford goes to rehab.
Mr. Ainslie, who fell out of favour with the administration following his comments about the mayor's behaviour at a charity dinner for the military, said he was told of the change Monday in a meeting with the mayor and said he does not see the shuffle as payback for his comments. "I'm always open to new opportunities," he said. "Any committee you are on, it is what you make of it."
Councillor Michelle Berardinetti, who gave up her seat on executive last year, said she is shocked by the mayor's decision to remove Ms. Robinson. "I think it is a big loss," she said, pointing out that as a long-time member of city staff, Ms. Robinson brought with her a wealth of knowledge.
Ms. Berardinetti left the executive committee in November, 2012, saying she was tired of being pressured to vote with the mayor.
Mr. Perruzza, who represented the NDP at Queen's Park and has never sat on executive or chaired a standing committee, said he accepted the appointment Monday after a meeting with the mayor.
"I think the timing for me is good," he said.
Asked if the mayor and his agenda now have his support, Mr. Perruzza said, "No demands were made of me and no promises were made in return."
Mr. Perruzza supported the mayor in opposing a council debate on new sources of transit funding. However, he has also taken positions on the other side, last month voting to refuse Porter Airlines' request to extend the runways at the island airport and lift the ban on jets. He also opposed expanding gambling at Woodbine Racetrack.
He declined to weigh in on the drug allegations, saying the mayor has to "deal with issues in the way he sees fit."
Other opposition councillors suggested his move to executive will make Mr. Perruzza vulnerable in the next election. "He's part of Ford Nation now," said Councillor Adam Vaughan, predicting that he will lose support from the left.