Tory won’t commit to contracting out garbage, despite campaign pledge

WATCH: It may sound like a flip-flop, but Dave Trafford reports that not many people seem to be criticizing Mayor Tory for reconsidering his promise to contract out garbage collection east of Yonge Street.

TORONTO – John Tory says he is willing to abandon a campaign pledge to further contract out the city’s garbage collection, if the facts don’t support the decision.

“I think the people of Toronto will respect me as mayor if I make decisions on my own behalf based on the facts,” he said. “If for example, contracting out in one or two of the remaining division doesn’t save any money, then people would say ‘why would you bother.’”

Tory did however promise during the campaign he would contract out garbage east of Yonge Street. Garbage collection west of Yonge Street was initiated during Rob Ford’s term as mayor, saving the city an estimated $11 million annually.

The city’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee approved a motion Tuesday to study whether further contracting out would save any money. If it does, Tory says he’ll support it, but if it doesn’t, he’s not so sure.

“Well I stand in favour of saying to the people of Toronto that we have examined all the facts and done what we need to do to make sure that garbage is being collected in the way that gives people the best service for the least amount of money possible.”

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The contract between the city and CUPE comes to an end of Dec. 31, 2015 and Dave Hewitt, president of CUPE 416, says the union is competitive with the private sector.

“I think public saves the taxpayers more money, more control of the trucks, more control of the workers, more control of who picks up your garbage,” he told reporters.

Hewitt also claimed the unionized workers cost less, suggesting figures showing otherwise weren’t accurate.

“I don’t think they were true and accurate reports, but we welcome this report and we welcome working with the city on any efficiencies and savings,” he said.

He refused however to comment on whether contracted out garbage collection west of Yonge Street was a success, saying only “we are looking at that as we speak and we will comment on that a further day.”