John Tory Affair: What the Scandal Teaches Us About Workplace Relationships

The John Tory Affair That Sparked a National Conversation

The John Tory affair captured national attention in February 2023, when the then–Toronto mayor admitted to having a months-long relationship with a staff member in his office during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Tory’s resignation ended a decades-long political career, the story raised an even bigger question: What happens when personal relationships cross professional lines?

The situation drew attention to the legal, ethical, and workplace risks of office romances — especially when there’s a clear power imbalance between the two people involved.

What Happened: Timeline of the John Tory Affair

On the evening of February 10, 2023, The Toronto Star published a report revealing that Toronto Mayor John Tory had a months-long relationship with a 31-year-old staffer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tory confirmed the story and held an 8:30 p.m. press conference, calling it a “serious error in judgment.”

He stated the relationship was consensual, had ended earlier in 2023, and that the staffer was no longer employed by the City. Tory also requested a review by the integrity commissioner and announced his intention to resign.

The following week, Tory briefly returned to City Hall on February 15 to oversee the approval of the 2023 city budget, which included increased police funding and TTC changes. He filed his formal resignation letter that same day.

On February 17 at 4:30 p.m., just minutes before his resignation took effect at 5:00 p.m., Tory delivered closing remarks and confirmed that Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie would assume duties until a by-election.

Tory’s tenure ended four months into his third term, bringing a nearly nine-year run as mayor to a close.

Are Workplace Relationships Legal in Canada?

There are no laws in Canada that ban consensual workplace relationships between employees — including between a manager and a subordinate. However, legal risks can arise when one person has power or authority over the other.

When Dating Your Boss Crosses a Line

The John Tory affair reignited questions many Canadians have asked: Is it illegal to date your boss?

While such relationships aren’t inherently unlawful, they can create conflicts of interest and expose both parties — and the employer — to allegations of harassment or favoritism if consent becomes unclear.

Why Power Imbalance Matters

Power dynamics are what make relationships like Tory’s so complex. Even when a relationship appears consensual, one party may feel pressured to stay silent or comply because of job security or advancement concerns.

Employers should recognize that perception alone — not just misconduct — can harm workplace trust and culture.

Similar issues have surfaced in other high-profile cases, including the RBC CFO Nadine Ahn scandal and the Steve Easterbrook McDonald’s case, both of which highlight the dangers of ignoring disclosure and policy requirements.

How Employers Can Manage Office Romances

Rather than banning office relationships altogether, employers should focus on clear, transparent policies that balance privacy and accountability.

Policies can require disclosure when there’s a reporting relationship and should outline how conflicts of interest or favoritism are handled.

Consent and Disclosure in the Workplace

Even when both parties agree to a relationship, consent can become blurred by hierarchy. Employers should make space for confidential reporting to ensure employees feel safe disclosing any concerns.

Our article on consensual workplace relationships explains how the law differentiates between truly voluntary and coerced situations — and what protections apply under provincial human rights codes.

Lessons from the John Tory Affair

The scandal surrounding John Tory wasn’t about illegality — it was about judgment, ethics, and accountability.

It reminded employers and employees alike that:

• Power imbalance can make even consensual relationships problematic.
• Transparency and clear policies prevent confusion and legal risk.
• Professional boundaries matter, especially in public or high-trust roles.

The John Tory affair may have been a political story, but it offers a valuable lesson for every Canadian workplace: when in doubt, prioritize professionalism and transparency.

Talk to an Employment Lawyer

If you’ve been disciplined, terminated, or pressured over a workplace relationship, our team can help.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta and BC can review your situation, inform you of your rights, and help you secure the compensation you are legally entitled to.

Our team has:

• 👥 Successfully represented 50,000+ Canadians
• 💰 Secured millions in severance payouts
• ⚖️ Settled over 99% of cases out of court
• 📱 Free Termination Consultations — in some, but not all, cases
• ⭐ Earned 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews
• 🏆 Named on of Canada’s Best Law Firms

Call 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.