Toronto city council has postponed a decision on whether to reimburse Councillor Chris Moise for $20,807.61 in legal fees related to an integrity investigation. The decision was delayed until the next council meeting in May, following a contentious session on Thursday.
Background of the Case
The integrity commissioner, Paul Muldoon, found that Moise had violated the city's code of conduct during a 2025 incident in which he told constituent Daniel Tate that he had a "white supremacy view." The incident was reported by the Toronto Sun. Muldoon recommended that council adopt the findings but not reprimand Moise.
Council's Response
Council had previously voted to receive the integrity commissioner's report for information without endorsing it. Councillor Paula Fletcher, a political ally of Moise, suggested the delay, arguing that the matter required further review. During the debate, Deputy City Clerk Mike Pacholok and City Solicitor Wendy Walberg were questioned extensively about reimbursement policies.
Speaker Frances Nunziata admonished council members for their treatment of staff, stating, "Please show respect to the staff!" after Fletcher's questioning was perceived as overly aggressive.
Moise's Statement
Moise, who was required to leave the chamber during the debate, issued a statement claiming vindication. "Toronto city council unanimously rejected the integrity commissioner's report the only way it could: It voted to 'receive it for information' without endorsing or acting on any part of it," he said. "I have been vindicated by Toronto city council, and I refuse to believe that our council's code of conduct is a 'kick me' sign taped to our backs."
Next Steps
Councillor Stephen Holyday suggested that council avoid taking a position on the matter, echoing Fletcher's earlier proposal. Council ultimately decided to postpone all remaining agenda items until May, with Councillor Gord Perks noting that "people are fraying around the edges a little bit."
The dispute between Moise and Tate has been ongoing, with Tate selling T-shirts featuring the old Yonge-Dundas Square logo on his website. Moise's office had previously pressed city bureaucrats to crack down on Tate's activities.
