Critics slam Ford government appointment of York region chair as ‘conflict of interest’

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Scarpitti also suggested the appointment was undemocratic because Del Duca could have "overriding power over nine mayors," which he calls a "concentration of power"

The Ford government is facing political pushback after appointing Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca as the Chair of York Region, with another city mayor claiming the position creates a conflict of interest that could leave other municipalities with negative consequences.

On Tuesday, the Progressive Conservative government said Del Duca would serve dual roles for the next four years and would be given new powers to fast-track decision-making on provincial priorities, such as housing and infrastructure, while setting the budget for the Region of York.

While Del Duca, as Vaughan’s mayor, already serves as one of the 22 members of the York Region Council, the government appointment now gives him the power to overrule the council, which includes representatives from Markham, Aurora, Newmarket and Richmond Hill.

“I have a real concern on all levels,” Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti told Global News.

“This model of a sitting mayor sitting as the regional Chair, it’s a blatant conflict of interest, in terms of advocating for your city and then also having the levers at the region to be able to have a particular outcome.”

Scarpitti also suggested the appointment was undemocratic because Del Duca could have “overriding power over nine mayors,” which he calls a “concentration of power” given the amount of money and resources the council oversees.

“That’s $5.2 billion budget at the region that you’re putting into the hands of one person,” Scarpitti said.

In a statement, Del Duca said he plans to advocate for all nine municipalities that form the region and would work with local politicians to push York’s priorities.

“I firmly believe that, in York Region, we cannot allow any one of our nine local municipalities to be left behind,” Del Duca said.

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