History of David Miller (Canadian politician) in Timeline

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.

Sections (6)

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

December 26, 1958: David Miller's Birth

On December 26, 1958, David Raymond Miller was born. He later became a Canadian lawyer and politician, serving as the 63rd mayor of Toronto.

1960: Death of Father

In 1960, David Miller's American father, Joe Miller, passed away from cancer, after which his mother returned to England with David.

1967: Moved to Canada

In 1967, David Miller moved to Canada with his mother after spending his early years in England. He then attended Lakefield College School.

1981: Graduated from Harvard University

In 1981, David Miller graduated summa cum laude in Economics from Harvard University after completing a four-year undergraduate degree.

1984: Earned Law Degree

In 1984, David Miller earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law.

1985: Joined the New Democratic Party

In 1985, David Miller joined the New Democratic Party (NDP).

1985: Represented Toronto Islands Residents

In 1985, David Miller, while an articling student, represented Toronto Islands residents in an arbitration case, which he later described as his introduction to municipal politics.

November 13, 1991: 1991 election results

The 1991 election results are taken from a Toronto Star newspaper report on November 13, 1991, with 192 of 196 polls having reported. The final results were not significantly different.

1991: First run for Metropolitan Toronto Council

In 1991, David Miller first ran for Metropolitan Toronto council, advocating for public transit improvements to establish Toronto as a world-class city, but he lost to the incumbent councillor.

1993: Ran in Canadian federal election

In 1993, David Miller was the NDP candidate for Parkdale—High Park in the Canadian federal election, where he finished fourth.

1994: Marriage to Jill Arthur

In 1994, David Miller married Jill Arthur, who was also a lawyer. They later had two children.

1994: Elected to Metro Toronto Council

In 1994, David Miller was elected to the Metro Toronto Council for the High Park ward.

1995: Spoke against budget cuts

In early 1995, David Miller spoke against Metro's decision to cut $3 million from its staffing budget, arguing it would cause hardship for laid-off workers.

1996: Campaign for Legislative Assembly of Ontario

In 1996, David Miller campaigned for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as the NDP candidate in York South but was narrowly defeated.

1997: Elected to Toronto City Council

In 1997, following the amalgamation of Toronto, David Miller was elected to the new Toronto City Council for Ward 19 High Park.

June 1999: Formal apology on behalf of the TTC

In June 1999, David Miller issued a formal apology on behalf of the TTC following complaints about a subway advertisement by the Toronto police union.

November 2000: Named best councillor by Toronto Life magazine

In November 2000, David Miller was named the best councillor and given an A+ grade by Toronto Life magazine for his work on the council.

2000: Advocated for waterfront parklands

During his time on council, David Miller became known as an advocate for waterfront parklands and opposed private development near Exhibition Place in 2000.

2000: Re-elected to council

Following electoral redistribution, David Miller was re-elected to council in 2000, representing Ward 13 Parkdale-High Park.

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.

July 2001: Sought gasoline-tax revenues for public transit

In July 2001, David Miller gained unanimous support for a motion requesting the federal government to approve the transfer of gasoline-tax revenues to Toronto's public transit system.

2001: Expressed concern over Wheel-Trans service

In 2001, David Miller voiced concerns about potentially contracting out the Wheel-Trans bus service for the disabled to the private sector.

April 2002: Awarded 'A' grade for work on TTC

In April 2002, the Toronto Environmental Alliance awarded David Miller an "A" grade for his work on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

May 2002: Confrontation with Mayor Lastman

In May 2002, Mayor Lastman yelled at David Miller during a debate, saying he would never be mayor. Miller later said this exchange encouraged him to run for mayor.

2002: Exposed the MFP computer leasing scandal

In 2001 and 2002, David Miller was a leading voice in exposing Toronto's MFP computer leasing scandal, bringing to light questionable lobbying practices at city hall.

October 22, 2003: Led citywide poll for mayor

On October 22, 2003, David Miller led a citywide poll for the first time with 31 per cent support, ahead of Barbara Hall and John Tory, in the mayoral race.

December 3, 2003: Council reversed support for Toronto City Centre Airport Bridge

On December 3, 2003, Shortly after his election, David Miller led the council to reverse its support for the Toronto City Centre Airport Bridge in a 32-12 vote.

2003: Past election and Smitherman

Back in the 2003 mayoral election, Smitherman had worked for the campaign of Barbara Hall, which tried to persuade Miller to drop out of the race.

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.

2003: "In Campaign: The Making of A Candidate" released

In 2003, filmmaker Andrew Munger released In Campaign: The Making of A Candidate as a behind-the-scenes look at Miller's 2003 campaign.

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January 2004: Meeting of Canada's Major Urban Mayors

In January 2004, Miller convened a meeting of Canada's major urban mayors, arguing that Canadian cities needed enhanced powers of governance to deal with modern challenges.

February 2004: Call for Greater Coordination on Immigration

In February 2004, Miller called for greater coordination between all three levels of government in overseeing patterns of immigration within Canada.

February 2004: Introduction of Anti-Crime Package

In February 2004, Miller introduced an anti-crime package highlighted by increased community outreach programs and job opportunities for at-risk youth.

February 2004: Summit on Affordable Housing Convened

In late February 2004, Miller convened a summit on affordable housing, including representatives from all three levels of government, and secured $24 million in funding from the provincial government to construct more than 900 units of housing for low-to-middle income earners.

March 1, 2004: Council Approves Miller's Anti-Crime Plan

On March 1, 2004, the council unanimously approved Miller's anti-crime plan.

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.

April 2004: Miller's First Budget Passed

In late April 2004, Miller's first budget was approved by city council with a 29-10 vote. The budget eliminated the existing shortfall, increased spending by 6%, and maintained residential property tax increases at 3% and business/industrial property taxes at 1.5%. The total operating budget for the year was $6.7 billion.

April 21, 2004: Council Approves Police Budget

On April 21, 2004, after a lengthy debate, the council voted 40-5 to approve a police budget of $679.1 million.

May 2004: Installation of Energy-Efficient Traffic Signal Lights

In May 2004, Miller announced that Toronto would install over 2,000 energy-efficient traffic signal lights.

June 2004: Toronto Police Services Board Votes Against Renewing Fantino's Contract

In June 2004, the Toronto Police Services Board voted not to renew Fantino's contract as chief.

July 2004: Appointment of Integrity Commissioner and call for ban on donations

In July 2004, David Miller appointed David Mullan as Toronto's first Integrity Commissioner and brought forward a motion calling for council to ban corporate and union donations to municipal candidates.

September 2004: Council Approves Streetcar Right-of-Way on St. Clair Avenue

In September 2004, council voted 36-7 to approve the creation of a streetcar right-of-way along St. Clair Avenue, as endorsed by Miller, despite local opposition. The project aimed to enhance public transit efficiency.

November 2004: Toronto Film Board Created

In November 2004, Miller created a new Toronto Film Board to improve the economic prospects of the city's film industry.

2004: Additional Funding for TTC

During 2004, Miller participated in negotiations with the federal and provincial governments that led to $1 billion in extra funding being allocated to the TTC over a five-year period. Additionally, the city obtained an additional $70 million in advance provincial funds in 2004 in order to prevent an increase in fares.

2004: Re-introduction of 'The Mayor' on CP24

In early 2004, Miller re-introduced an hour-long call-in television show called The Mayor on CP24.

2004: $355 Million in Gas Tax Revenues for TTC

In late 2004, the provincial government of Dalton McGuinty announced that it would provide $355 million in provincial gas tax revenues for the TTC over three years. Miller also had his first TTC operating budget in 2004 for $219 million.

February 2005: First Meeting of the Toronto Film Board

In February 2005, the first meeting of the Toronto Film Board, chaired by Miller, was convened.

March 2005: Request for Participatory Role in Police Chief Selection

In March 2005, Miller asked the Police Services Board that he be granted a participatory role in the selection of the next police chief. The board turned down Miller's request.

April 14, 2005: Miller Awards Fantino with the Key to the City

On April 14, 2005, in an effort to move beyond previous hostilities, Miller awarded Fantino with the Key to the City, describing Fantino as "a man of integrity who has done tremendous work to help keep Toronto safe."

April 2005: Bill Blair Chosen as Police Chief

In April 2005, the board chose Bill Blair as Fantino's permanent replacement.

May 2005: Miller Joins the Police Services Board

In May 2005, Miller replaced Ootes during the city's mid-term shuffle of positions and took a seat on the Police Services Board.

May 2005: Approval of New Housing Units on Brownfield Land

In May 2005, Miller's administration presided over the approval of 6,500 new units of housing on brownfield land near the Don River, a project called Ataratiri that had been delayed for 17 years.

June 2005: Federal Commitment to Ontario Municipalities

In June 2005, Miller welcomed a federal commitment to provide $1.9 billion to Ontario municipalities over five years from federal gas tax revenues.

June 2005: Conservative Party's Commitment to Waterfront Renewal

In June 2005, Monte Solberg of the Conservative Party met with Miller and assured him that the party would honor existing agreements for waterfront renewal if elected.

October 2005: $70 Million Waterfront Investment Announced

In October 2005, Miller announced $70 million in waterfront investments over five years, focusing on new boardwalks, promenades, public places, and related attractions. The HtO, Toronto's first urban beach, project commenced in late 2005.

October 2005: Ipsos-Reid Poll on Handling of Gang Activity

In October 2005, an Ipsos-Reid poll showed that the mayor, council, police and judges all received low to middling grades from the Toronto public in their handling of increased gang activity. Miller received a D+.

October 2005: Green Bin Program Becomes Citywide

In October 2005, the Green Bin recycling program became citywide when North York was included, marking Toronto as a leader in recycling and composting programs. Toronto aimed to increase recycling and composting of garbage collected by the city from 40 per cent to 60 per cent by 2010, and 100 per cent in 2012.

November 2005: Panel Recuses Itself and Overturns Decision

In November 2005, the panel of the Ontario Superior Court recused themselves by a vote of 2-1 after the city cited a potential bias on the part of one of the judges, and so overturned their previous decision to halt the streetcar right-of-way project.

December 2005: City Helps Homeless Find Permanent Apartments

By December 2005, the city had helped 533 people experiencing homelessness find permanent apartments through the Streets to Homes initiative.

December 2005: Endorsement of Panel Report

In December 2005, Council endorsed the reforms to give the mayor additional powers and created a formal city executive, after Miller endorsed a panel report.

2005: Support of the City of Toronto Act

In 2005, David Miller voiced his full support of the McGuinty government's City of Toronto Act, writing that it would "give the city freedom and flexibility to deliver services creatively and effectively", and that it "will essentially be Toronto's constitution".

2005: Second Budget and Financial Challenges

In 2005, Miller's administration presented a balanced budget after difficult negotiations by drawing $19.8 million from reserve funds. The province's failure to provide $72.3 million for mandated social programs increased Toronto's budgetary difficulties. The total operating budget was $7.1 billion, with property tax increases held to 3% for residents and 1.5% for businesses.

2005: Toronto Withdraws from AMO

In 2005, under Miller's direction, Toronto withdrew from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

2005: Small Fare Increase Approved for TTC

In early 2005, the TTC, with Miller's approval, implemented a small fare increase. The price of adult tickets and tokens rose by ten cents, while adult cash fare increased by 25 cents. The TTC introduced a weekly $30 pass to mitigate this change.

January 2006: $532 Million Budget Shortfall and Response

In January 2006, Toronto faced a $532 million shortfall in its operating budget. Miller and Soknacki implemented a "zero-based budgeting" approach and a hiring freeze. The city passed a $7.6 billion operating budget with residential tax increases held to 3% and business tax increases to 1%, which was made possible by provincial investment in the city.

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: Comprehensive Housing Renewal Project Begins in Regent Park

In February 2006, Miller began a comprehensive housing renewal project in Toronto's Regent Park area.

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.

February 2006: Support for Lawrence Cannon's Appointment

In February 2006, Miller supported the appointment of Lawrence Cannon as Minister for Communities and tried to persuade the Harper government against eliminating Canada's national child-care plan, without success.

February 2006: Ontario Divisional Court Rules in Favor of City

In February 2006, the Ontario Divisional Court ruled against Save-Our-St. Clair (SOS), granting the city authority to proceed with the streetcar right-of-way project.

February 2006: Toronto Police Services Board Supports Immigration Status Policy

In February 2006, the Toronto Police Services Board unanimously supported a policy to have officers refrain from asking witnesses and victims of crime about their immigration status.

March 2006: Introduction of Wi-Fi Network to Toronto

In March 2006, Miller helped introduce an "historic" Wi-Fi network to Toronto.

April 2006: Profiled in Vanity Fair Magazine

In April 2006, Miller was profiled in the April 2006 edition of Vanity Fair magazine, which praised his environmental record.

May 2006: Support for Extended Municipal Terms

In May 2006, Miller supported the provincial government's legislation to extend municipal terms from three years to four, arguing that municipal leaders need longer terms of office to carry out their mandate.

May 2006: Council votes to launch Expo 2015 bid

In May 2006, council voted 37-2 to launch a bid to host the Expo 2015 world fair, following encouragement from Miller in April 2005.

May 2006: Harper Government Review of Port Authority

In May 2006, the Harper government announced it would review the Port Authority and scrutinize past decisions related to the bridge project, appointing Roger Tassé to oversee the review. Miller expressed cautious optimism, but later concern over the appointment of Port Authority executives before the report's completion.

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".

June 2006: Approval of Measure to Permit Mayor to Appoint Committee Heads and Introduction of Website

In June 2006, Miller led council in approving a measure to permit the mayor to appoint heads of committees. He also introduced a new "Building A Great City website in 2006, allowing Torontonians to follow the development of key issues on city council.

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: Lobbyist Registry

In September 2006, Miller tried to create a mandatory lobbyist registry, but council voted to refer the matter for further study.

September 2006: Municipal Litter Audit Results

In September 2006, a municipal "litter audit" found that the city was 40 per cent cleaner from the previous year.

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.

October 2006: Waterfront Renewal Plan Outlined

In October 2006, Miller outlined his waterfront renewal plan, highlighted by 750 acres (3.0 km2) of new public spaces and parks from Scarborough to Etobicoke. He also criticized the Toronto Port Authority.

October 2006: Proposal for Immigrant Voting

In late October 2006, Miller proposed that Toronto's 200,000 landed immigrants be permitted to vote in municipal elections.

November 1, 2006: Campaign Platform Released

On November 1, 2006, Miller released his campaign platform, promising 4,000 units of affordable housing, a mandatory lobbyist registry, and a further expansion of the green bin program into apartments and condominiums.

November 2006: Proposed Parking Lot Surcharge and Simcoe Street Extension

In November 2006, Miller proposed a parking lot surcharge to encourage public transit use. He also suggested extending Simcoe Street to create a downtown link to the waterfront.

November 2006: Announcement of Tougher Bail Conditions for Gun Crimes

In November 2006, Miller stood with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Dalton McGuinty to announce tougher bail conditions for persons accused of gun crimes.

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".

November 2006: Expo 2015 Bid Collapses

In November 2006, the bid to host Expo 2015 collapsed after the federal, provincial, and municipal governments failed to agree on covering potential losses. Miller refrained from blaming any level of government, although councillor Brian Ashton placed most of the blame on the province.

December 2006: Completion of Green Lane Purchase

In December 2006, the Green Lane purchase deal was completed, with Toronto paying $220 million for the site.

2006: Soknacki leaves office

David Soknacki did not run for reelection in 2006.

2006: Re-election Bid

In 2006, Miller reassembled his first mayoral campaign team for his 2006 re-election bid. He highlighted safety issues at his campaign launch, and criticized the federal Conservative government's plans to cancel the national gun registry.

2006: Support for McGuinty government's budget

In 2006, Miller strongly supported the McGuinty government's budget, which included an immediate $200 million boost for Toronto.

2006: 2006 Capital Budget

Toronto's capital budget for 2006 was $1.3 billion, targeting road repairs, police stations, and recreation centers.

January 1, 2007: City of Toronto Act proclaimed

On January 1, 2007, the McGuinty government's City of Toronto Act, which grants new powers to the city, was formally proclaimed. Following this, Toronto used its new powers to delegate local matters to community councils and announced plans for a Lobbying Control Framework.

January 2007: Criticism of Ontario Municipal Board Decision

In January 2007, Miller criticized an Ontario Municipal Board decision allowing a high-rise project on Queen Street West, arguing it would compromise the city's creative sector.

February 2007: Motion Passed Against OMB Decision

In February 2007, a motion introduced by Miller, directing staff to pursue all available options against the OMB's decision regarding a high-rise project on Queen Street West, was passed by a vote of 33-11.

February 2007: Council Endorses Lobbyist Registry

In February 2007, council endorsed Miller's lobbyist registry by a vote of 33-9. The new bylaw applies to unions, except in discussions over contracts and health and safety issues.

February 2007: Provincial Government Announces Affordable Housing Funding

In February 2007, the provincial government of Dalton McGuinty announced it would make $392 million available for affordable housing, with Toronto expected to receive the largest share of the revenue.

March 2007: Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In March 2007, Miller unveiled a plan to reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2020, and by 80 per cent in 2050 (based on a 1990 baseline).

March 2007: Resolution of Legal Hurdle for Green Lane Purchase

In March 2007, the final legal hurdle to the Green Lane purchase was resolved, paving the way for the deal to be signed in early April.

March 2007: Harper Government's Transit Funding Plan

In early March 2007, the Harper government introduced a $1.5 billion plan to assist Toronto's public transit system and expand provincial highways, which Miller welcomed as a step toward permanent funding.

March 2007: Unveiling of Transit City Plan

In mid-March 2007, Miller and the TTC unveiled a fifteen-year plan, called Transit City, to construct a light-rail network linking almost every neighbourhood within the city.

May 2007: Mayors Support One-Cent Plan

In early May 2007, mayors from Canada's 22 largest cities gave their unanimous support to the one-cent plan.

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: Did not renew NDP membership

In 2007, David Miller did not renew his membership in the NDP, stating he didn't want to be seen as partisan when dealing with provincial and federal governments.

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.

June 18, 2009: Request for Federal Funding for New Streetcars

On June 18, 2009, Miller requested federal funding from the Harper government's $12-billion stimulus spending for new streetcars in the Transit City initiative, facing a June 27, 2009 deadline to commit to a $1.2-billion deal with Bombardier.

June 27, 2009: Deadline to commit to streetcar deal.

The city faced a deadline of June 27, 2009 to commit to the $1.2-billion deal signed with Bombardier for the 204 streetcars.

September 25, 2009: Announcement Not to Seek Third Term

On September 25, 2009, Miller announced that he would not seek a third term as mayor in the 2010 election, citing family reasons.

October 2010: Endorsement of Joe Pantalone

In early October 2010, Miller gave his endorsement to Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, who claimed that he was "no clone of David Miller", but whose platform largely continued the status quo with Miller's policies.

2010: Declining to seek a third term

In 2010, Miller did not seek a third term as mayor, with an Ipsos Reid poll revealing that almost 8 in 10 Torontonians wanted Miller replaced as mayor, over dissatisfaction at his handling of the 39-day municipal strike.

2011: Future of Cities Global Fellow

Following his term as mayor, in 2011 Miller accepted a three-year appointment at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University as Future of Cities Global Fellow to teach courses on finding technological solutions to urban problems.

2011: Joined NYU Poly as a Faculty Member

In 2011, David Miller joined NYU Poly as a faculty member.

2013: President and CEO of WWF-Canada

In 2013, Miller was appointed president and CEO of WWF-Canada, the Canadian division of the international World Wildlife Fund.

2017: North American director for C40 Cities coalition

At the end of 2017, Miller left his position as CEO of WWF-Canada to become North American director for C40 Cities coalition.

November 20, 2024: Special Advisor Appointment

On November 20, 2024, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles announced her appointment of Miller as a Special Advisor on "crafting a new deal for municipalities."

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