Toronto mayor defends role in Rogers family trust amid boardroom drama

Toronto’s mayor faced a number of questions Wednesday about his involvement with the Rogers Control Trust, as the fight for power at the telecom giant continues.

Toronto Mayor John Tory responded to questions about his role in the Rogers family trust on Wednesday, saying it hasn’t affected his commitment to the top job at City Hall.

Speaking at an unrelated event, Tory was asked about the appropriateness of his role in the trust amidst a growing feud involving the Rogers family that has spilled into the public.

“If there’s been anything that the city required of me at any hour of the day, on any day of the week, any day of the month, any week of the year — I devote myself to that first, and that includes sometimes putting my family second,” he told reporters.

The trust is the controlling shareholder of the company.

Tory’s connection to the late Ted Rogers is a longstanding one that dates back to his father, and he previously ran the company’s cable division.

“The fact that I might take a few hours of my time to do something else — whether it’s in respect to an obligation I made to a friend, or whether I was out playing a sport or spending time with my family, or going to see some art — I think that people will understand.”

Tory also confirmed to reporters that he receives compensation for his role on the trust, but he has abided by the law scrupulously every day.

The Toronto Star first reported Tuesday that Tory receives $100,000 per year as a member of the trust, although the mayor did not confirm that amount to reporters Wednesday.