Tag: Public transit

  • Bonnie Crombie Announces Bid to Reclaim Mississauga Mayor’s Office

    Bonnie Crombie Announces Bid to Reclaim Mississauga Mayor’s Office

    Former Bonnie Crombie has officially announced that she will run for mayor of Mississauga, seeking to return to the office she held for a decade before stepping down to lead the **Ontario Liberal Party>.

    Crombie, who served as Mississauga’s mayor from 2014 to 2024, resigned from the position to pursue provincial politics. She later became leader of the Ontario Liberal Party but stepped down in January 2026 following the party’s disappointing provincial election performance.

    Announcing her return to municipal politics, Crombie said Mississauga deserves experienced leadership capable of addressing key issues such as housing affordability, infrastructure development, public transit, and economic growth. She emphasized her long-standing connection to the city and expressed confidence that her previous experience would benefit residents.

    Her candidacy is expected to reshape the upcoming municipal election, setting up a competitive race against incumbent Mayor Carolyn Parrish and other declared candidates, including city councillors seeking the top office.

    Crombie’s decision has generated mixed reactions among residents and political observers. Supporters point to her record during her previous tenure as mayor, citing investments in transit, economic development, and city growth. Critics, however, argue that she voluntarily left the office before completing her term to pursue provincial leadership and question her decision to return.

    Ontario Premier Doug Ford has previously criticized the prospect of Crombie returning to municipal politics, publicly stating his support for Mayor Parrish while pledging not to remain neutral if Crombie entered the race.

    Political analysts say Crombie’s name recognition and experience could make her one of the leading contenders in the election, although the race is expected to focus heavily on housing, transportation, fiscal management, and Mississauga’s long-term growth strategy.

    The municipal election is expected to attract significant attention across Ontario as voters prepare to choose the leadership that will guide one of Canada’s largest and fastest-growing cities.

    Swifteradio.com

  • TTC CEO Rick Leary Resigns

    In an unexpected turn of events, Rick Leary announced his resignation as CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) during a city hall press conference on Thursday. Leary informed the transit agency’s board earlier that day of his decision to step down after more than six years at the helm.

    Reflecting on his tenure, Leary described his time with the TTC as “the most rewarding experience in my four decades in public transit.” At 61, he expressed a desire to explore new opportunities and challenges before fully retiring. “That’s where I’m at today — looking at the next phase of my career,” he stated.

    Leary explained his intention to remain as CEO to oversee the finalization of a new contract with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113. The TTC board ratified the new agreement on Thursday, following a last-minute deal earlier in the month that prevented a potential transit strike.

    In October, TTC chair Jamaal Myers attempted to suspend Leary amid an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct, a move that was ultimately rejected by the board. While an inquiry was initiated, Leary continued in his role. On Thursday, he clarified that these proceedings did not influence his decision to resign. “You heard me say it, why I decided to move on. This is under my terms. I’m excited. I think it’s an opportunity for the organization to be led in a new direction,” Leary affirmed.

    Myers, who joined Leary at the announcement, did not address the investigation but supported Leary’s decision to seek new opportunities. “We were all sad to see him go,” Myers commented, commending Leary for his dedication to providing reliable and safe service to millions of transit riders annually. He acknowledged Leary’s achievements in implementing service standards, vehicle reliability, cost controls, and promoting diversity initiatives.

    Leary, originally from Boston, served as interim TTC CEO in 2017 and was appointed permanently the following year. His last day will be August 30. Myers mentioned that the TTC will soon announce steps to appoint an interim CEO and begin the search for a permanent successor.

    Further updates are expected.

    Source: The Star