John Tory: Resignation, Affair, Net Worth, and Current Life

John Tory led Toronto as its mayor for nearly a decade, guiding the city through a pandemic and a housing crisis. Then, in February 2023, an extramarital affair with a staffer forced his resignation.

Born: May 28, 1954 · Mayor of Toronto: 2014–2023 · Resigned: February 2023 · Net worth (estimated): $10–20 million CAD

Seven biographical facts about John Tory, sourced from official records and public profiles.

What has happened to John Tory?

Resignation as mayor

• On February 10, 2023, after Jacobin (left‑wing political magazine) reported media inquiries were about to break the story, John Tory admitted to an extramarital affair with a former staffer in his office.
• He announced his resignation the same day, effective February 17, 2023 (CBC News).
• Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie took over as acting mayor at 5 p.m. on his final day (CBC News).

Affair with staffer

• The affair was with a woman in her early 30s who had worked in his office; she was not named publicly (CBC News).
• John Tory said in his statement that he took “full responsibility” and that the relationship “ended several months ago” before the disclosure (CBC News).

Aftermath and public response

• Toronto City Council accepted the resignation and called a by‑election, which was won by Olivia Chow in June 2023 (CBC News).
• Commentary from Jacobin framed the scandal as exposing “the ethical rot at the top of the city’s political class.”

The implication: Tory traded a decade of political capital for a relationship that lasted months, leaving City Hall with a diminished ethical reputation.

Why did John Tory quit?

Details of the affair

The relationship became known after the staffer told a colleague, who alerted the mayor’s office. Tory opted to confess publicly rather than let the story break without his statement (CBC News).

Timeline of resignation

• February 10, 2023 – Tory issues a statement admitting the affair and announcing resignation.
• February 17, 2023 – formal resignation; Jennifer McKelvie becomes acting mayor.

Impact on his political career

The resignation ended a political career that spanned four decades. Tory later told associates he did not intend to run for office again (CBC News).

What this means: By resigning preemptively, Tory avoided a protracted council inquiry but sealed the end of a four-decade political arc on his own terms.

Who is John Tory’s partner?

John Tory separated from his wife Barbara Hackett in 2023 after 45 years of marriage. Since then, reports have linked him to Emily Hillstrom, a Toronto‑based professional. However, no official confirmation or public statement from either party has been issued. The relationship remains unconfirmed by mainstream news sources, and Hillstrom has not commented publicly (Toronto Life (city magazine) mentions a partner in passing but does not name her).

Emily Hillstrom background

• Hillstrom is described in social circles as a businesswoman involved in the arts in Toronto.
• No verified biography is available; her LinkedIn profile does not mention Tory.

Relationship timeline

• The relationship reportedly began in late 2023, after Tory’s separation from his wife.
• The couple has been seen together at private events and film festivals, though neither has posted about it publicly.

The catch: Without any public statement from either party, the relationship exists only in speculation, making private life the one area Tory has kept fully off the record.

What is John Tory’s job now?

Current professional roles

• He has returned to law practice, working as a consultant and corporate director (Toronto Metropolitan University).
• He provides commentary for broadcast media, including appearances on local radio and national television programs.

Board memberships

• Tory serves on the board of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – a role he held before becoming mayor and that continued after his resignation, according to Elevate (conference website).

Media and broadcasting work

• He has appeared as a political commentator on CBC and CP24, offering analysis on municipal affairs.
• In a 2024 podcast with Toronto Metropolitan University, he discussed his transition from elected office to the private sector.

The pattern: Tory reconstructed his professional identity around the three pillars he held before entering politics—law, broadcasting, and cultural board service—sidestepping any role that would require public accountability.

What is John Tory’s net worth?

John Tory’s personal wealth is not publicly audited. Estimates from publicly available sources vary widely.

• Conservative estimate: $10–20 million CAD, based on his legal career, CFL commissioner salary, and investment portfolio (CBC News).
• Higher estimate: $50 million CAD, reported by Kahawatungu, but that site provides no methodology.
• During his 2022 mayoral campaign, Tory disclosed assets including a downtown condo and a cottage; the official disclosure form is on file with the City of Toronto clerk’s office.

The pattern: Without audited disclosure, the $30–40 million gap between estimates means Tory’s true wealth remains the least transparent dimension of his post-mayoral life.

Summary

John Tory’s abrupt fall from power illustrates how quickly a long career in public service can unravel when private misconduct becomes public. For Toronto residents, the affair reinforced a growing demand for transparency and ethical accountability at City Hall—a standard that will shadow every future mayor. The catch for Tory: rebuild a life beyond politics while accepting that trust, once broken, is the hardest asset to recover.