John Howard Tory, OOnt QC is a Canadian lawyer, businessman, broadcaster, and politician currently serving as the 65th Mayor of Toronto. With a diverse background in law, business, and politics, Tory has had a successful career that has led him to his current position. He has previously served as the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and as a Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament. Tory’s dedication to public service and his ability to connect with the community have made him a respected figure in Toronto politics.
Quick Facts
- Canadian Celebrities Born In May Also Known As: John Howard ToryAge: 69 Years, 69 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Barbara Hackett (m. 1978)
- Father: John A. Tory
- Mother: Elizabeth Bacon
- Siblings: Jeffrey Tory, Jennifer Tory, Michael Tory
- Children: Christopher Tory, George Tory, John Tory, Jr., Susan Tory
- Lawyers
- Political Leaders
- Political ideology: Independent
- Ancestry: Russian Canadian
- Notable Alumni: Osgoode Hall Law School, Trinity College, Toronto
- City: Toronto, Canada
- Education: Trinity College, Toronto, Osgoode Hall Law School
- Awards: Order of Ontario
Childhood & Early Life
John Howard Tory was born on May 28, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as the eldest child of John A. Tory and Elizabeth (née Bacon). His father was a Canadian lawyer and corporate executive, while his grandfather John S. D. Tory founded the law firm Torys. Tory studied at the University of Toronto Schools and Trinity College at the University of Toronto, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1975. He then attended the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University and obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1978. He is a member of the United Church of Canada.
Career in Business
After completing his education, Tory worked as a journalist for Toronto radio stations CFTR and CHFI from 1972 to 1979. He then joined the law firm Tory, Tory, DesLauriers & Binnington, where he held various positions including partner, managing partner, and Executive Committee member. He also served as principal secretary to the Premier of Ontario, Bill Davis, and as associate secretary of the cabinet from 1981 to 1985. Tory had a successful career in business, serving as president and CEO of Rogers Media from 1995 to 1999 and as president and CEO of Rogers subsidiary Rogers Cable from 1999. He also served as the ninth commissioner of the Canadian Football League from 1996 to 2000.
Political Career
Tory became involved in politics and served as campaign chairman and tour director for Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and managed Kim Campbell’s campaign during the 1993 federal election. He played a key role in the mayoral campaigns of Mel Lastman and later ran for Mayor of Toronto in 2003, although he was not successful. Tory then became the leader of the Ontario PC Party from 2004 to 2009 and served as the 33rd Leader of the Opposition in Ontario. He ran in the provincial electoral district of Don Valley West in 2007 but was defeated by Kathleen Wynne. Tory made a comeback to broadcasting after his political career ended and hosted a radio show on CFRB. He registered his candidacy for the Toronto mayoral election in 2014 and was elected as the 65th Mayor of Toronto. He was re-elected for a second term in 2018.
Family & Personal Life
Tory met his wife Barbara Hackett in 1976, and they married in 1978. They have four children and five grandchildren. Barbara, who is a home builder and renovator, was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome in 1991.