Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to David Miller (Canadian politician)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 8, 2026

Public opinion and media debates around David Miller (Canadian politician)—discover key moments of controversy.

David Miller is a Canadian lawyer and former politician best known for serving as the 63rd mayor of Toronto from 2003 to 2010. His tenure focused on urban issues, including environmental sustainability, public transit, and social equity. Before becoming mayor, Miller was a Toronto city councillor. Since leaving office, he has been involved in various initiatives related to sustainable urban development and climate change, often advocating for policy changes at both local and global levels.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2000: Criticized police union's telemarketing campaign

In 2000, David Miller argued that the police union's "Operation True Blue" telemarketing campaign was creating a climate of intimidation for Toronto residents. He and his wife claimed to have received threatening telephone calls.

2003: Criticism of City Spending

During the 2003 mayoral election, Jane Pitfield criticized city spending, and described Miller the "Billion Dollar Man" for overseeing spending increases of $1.3 billion since 2003. Miller responded that Toronto's share was only $275 million.

April 2004: Miller's "Police Force in Jail" Comment and Apology

In April 2004, after some Toronto officers were charged with aiding figures connected to the Hells Angels biker gang, Miller made a comment about the police force being in jail in a private conversation with the lord mayor of London. He later apologized for the remark, acknowledging its inappropriateness.

February 2006: Report on Toronto Residents Opposition to Airport Expansion

A Toronto Star report from early February 2006 indicated that most Toronto residents opposed the Porter Airlines expansion to the Island Airport.

February 2006: Budgetary Consultation Clash with Glen Grunwald

In February 2006, Miller clashed with Toronto Board of Trade President and CEO Glen Grunwald at a budgetary consultation meeting. Grunwald's policy recommendations to solve Toronto's budget shortfall were criticized by Miller as "poorly researched" and not befitting the Board of Trade's role as city builders.

May 2006: Criticism of TTC Workers' Wildcat Strike

In late May 2006, Miller strongly criticized a one-day wildcat strike by TTC workers, denouncing it as "illegal, unlawful and absolutely unacceptable".

September 2006: Council Approves Subway Car Purchase from Bombardier

In September 2006, City Council approved the TTC's plan to purchase new subway cars from Bombardier via a non-competitive bid by a vote of 25-18, despite criticism about the bidding process and potential cost savings from Siemens. Miller defended the deal as beneficial for taxpayers and Ontario.

September 2006: Reported payout to Robert Deluce's REGCO

In late September 2006, it was reported that Robert Deluce's REGCO (the parent company of Porter Airlines) received $20 million of the $35 million paid by the federal government, with David Miller describing the payout as 'totally improper'.

September 21, 2006: Accusation Regarding Green Lane Site Offer

On September 21, 2006, Toronto Star columnist Royson James suggested that the city had received a better offer for the Green Lane site one year earlier, and failed to act on it. Miller denied the accusation.

November 2006: Release of Tassé Report and Reactions

In November 2006, the Tassé Report defended the Port Authority's decision to sign a bridge contract before the 2003 election and deemed a $35 million payout to DeLuce as "reasonable". Miller criticized the report, dismissing it as "not worth the paper it is written on", while MP Olivia Chow called it a "total whitewash".

August 2007: $34-Million in Service Cuts Implemented

In August 2007, City Manager Shirley Hoy, under Miller's direction, implemented $34-million in service cuts to the 2007 budget without council approval. These cuts led to motions from community councils to stop the closure of community centers on Mondays and delay the opening of ice rinks, leading to more controversy.

October 2007: Debate on New Tax Measures Deferred

On July 16, 2007, council voted to defer debating the implementation of a $60 vehicle-registration tax and a 1.5 per cent land transfer tax until after the October 2007 provincial election. The debate on the measures had been contentious.

October 23, 2007: Tax Measures Passed

On October 23, 2007, the vehicle-registration tax and land transfer tax measures were passed by a majority vote of 26-19 and 25-20.

2007: Criticism of McGuinty government's budget

In 2007, Miller criticized the McGuinty government's budget, arguing that it was refusing to "pay its bills", and said that Toronto's budgetary problems were the result of $500 million in social service costs mandated by the provincial government.