Mayor John Tory says he was “shocked” to learn that Jim Karygiannis has been removed from city council over election expenses.

The Ward 22 councillor is out following a review of his 2018 campaign expenses by the Municipal Elections Act. According to the city clerk, Karygiannis exceeded the allowable amount by nearly $26,000  and is now disqualified from being elected or appointed to any office until after the municipal election in 2022. The clerk will report to city council at its next meeting November 26th to outline the next steps to fill the vacancy either by appointment or a by-election.

Statement from Mayor John Tory

News Release
November 6, 2019
Statement regarding Jim Karygiannis

Toronto City Clerk, Ulli Watkiss, this afternoon gave notice to Jim Karygiannis that he is no longer a City of Toronto Councillor for Ward 22 based on the supplementary financial statement that he filed for the 2018 election, as required under the Municipal Elections Act.

Under the Act, every candidate is required to file a financial statement for the 2018 election. The Act allows candidates to spend a maximum amount of money in an election. For Ward 22 in 2018, that total was $61,207.95, with a maximum of 10% – or $6,120.80 – to be spent for “parties and other expressions of appreciation” after voting day. Mr. Karygiannis filed expenses under “parties and other expressions of appreciation” shows that he spent $32,083.50, which on its face exceeds the expense limit by $25,962.70.

The Act does not give the City Clerk any latitude or discretion on this matter. Under s.88.23(2) of the Act, forfeiture of the office is automatic if, on its face, a financial statement shows expenses for “parties and other expressions of appreciation” after voting day exceed the amount permitted. Mr. Karygiannis is in default of the Act and is disqualified from being elected or appointed to any office until after the 2022 municipal election.

Candidates are responsible for ensuring their financial filings are accurate and compliant with the Act. Mr. Karygiannis’ financial statement, signed by his auditor, can be found here http://s3.amazonaws.comapp.toronto.ca/EFD/jsf/candidate2018/view_financial_statements.xhtml.

The City Clerk will report to Toronto City Council at its next meeting on November 26, outlining next steps with respect to declaring the seat vacant, as prescribed by the City of Toronto Act, 2006. In the interim, staff in the Ward 22 office will continue to support residents in the ward, and will report to the City Clerk until the office is filled by appointment or by-election.

A Notice of Default was sent to all Members of Council this afternoon and can be read here https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/.