Canada: Ontario legislature to debate over Toronto council seats reduction today

The meeting is likely to be held at 1 pm.

Justice Edward P. Belobaba ruled on Monday that the reduction of the council seats by the Better Local Government Act violated the rights of Torontonians.

He said the reduction has taken away the freedom of expression of the Torontonians. 

Ford said his government will take action to "ensure the Better Local Government Act remains in effect".

Ford tweeted, "Today I announced that our government will take immediate action to ensure the Better Local Government Act remains in effect as passed by Ontario’s democratically elected legislature. We will reduce the size and cost of government while reducing dysfunction at Toronto City Hall."

He said in a follow up tweet, "We will immediately recall Ontario’s Legislature and invoke Section 33 of the Constitution to ensure the Better Local Government Act is preserved in time for the October 22 Municipal Election. We will also immediately appeal today's decision to the Ontario Court of Appeal."

Toronto City Council had earlier voted to challenge Ontario Premier Doug Ford's decision to cut number of seats from earlier 47 to 25.

Toronto Council voted 27-15 to challenge the decision taken by the Progressive Conservative (PC)-led provincial government. 

The bill was introduced by Ontario premier Doug Ford in July.