Doug Ford's "strong mayors" explained

Plus, the latest from the Unifor scandal, and the good, bad and ugly about inflation [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Here’s the latest on the scandal rocking Canada’s largest private sector union, Doug Ford’s plans to implement “strong mayor” systems and just how much more expensive life has gotten. DON’T MISS Andrew Francis Wallace/The Star star investigation [Leaked investigation findings reveal new details of Jerry Dias scandal]( Unifor’s former president tried to disrupt a probe into his conduct and pressured a whistleblower to drop their complaint about an alleged bribery scandal — flying in the face of the code of ethics for Canada’s largest private sector union, according to a third-party workplace investigation obtained by the Star. Jerry Dias’ lawyer, meanwhile, questioned the credibility of the probe, saying his client couldn’t participate due to mental health and addiction issues. [Here’s what new documents reveal about dysfunction inside the union](. - Context: After the long-time labour leader unexpectedly announced his retirement this year, Unifor revealed it had initiated an investigation into claims that he had received $50,000 from a rapid test supplier he promoted to employers. - Why it matters: The allegations raise questions about accountability and leadership in a union representing 315,000 workers. It has also thrown the union into disarray as it faces its first contested election for national president since 2013. R.J. Johnston/The Star provincial politics [Doug Ford says “strong mayors” could only be overruled by two-thirds of council]( After reports Wednesday that the premier wants to see new systems in Ottawa and Toronto that would give their mayors more authority over financial matters and appointments, Ford has disclosed that those enhanced powers could only be overruled by a two-thirds vote at city council. “No matter if it’s a good decision or a tough decision that (mayors) make, they have to be accountable and (this) just allows them the ability,” he said. As details emerge and planning continues, concerns remain about the diminished powers for municipal councillors. [Here’s what we know so far](. - Wait, what? [The Star answers four key questions about Ford’s plan for a “strong mayor” system](. - Go deeper: [Here’s how experts say the system would limit the power of Toronto’s progressive politicians](. - Word from City Hall: [Here’s how Mayor John Tory reacted to the new plan](. - Emma Teitel’s take: Feelings for Ford and Tory aside, [here’s why this plan makes sense](. - Watch for: Similar changes could be in place in Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and others following Oct. 24 municipal elections, Ford said. Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick economy [Hold on to your wallet: Inflation jumps to 8.1 per cent]( If last month’s inflation data showing the cost of living had increased by 7.7 per cent year-over-year wasn’t bad enough, the latest numbers are even higher. Statistics Canada revealed Wednesday that inflation jumped to 8.1 per cent in June — the highest year-over-year increase since January 1983. [Despite the jarring figure, here’s why there’s reason to be hopeful](. - By the numbers: Gas prices have risen about 54.6 per cent in the past year, while food prices rose 8.8 per cent. - Watch for: The Bank of Canada has raised its key overnight lending rate four times in an attempt to fight inflation. One expert said the new figures should deter the bank from doing it again. - Heather Scoffield’s take: Got a raise this year? [It probably didn’t match inflation — or cause it](. - Another angle: The Bank of Canada’s rising interest rates are meant to put people out of work and bring wages down. [Here’s why it’s a brutal mistake](. [Food Crawl launch] Eat your way through the best of the GTA. From strip mall standouts to downtown gems, nobody knows Toronto like the Star’s food team, and our new newsletter Food Crawl is your guide to where to go, what to order and why you’ve got to try it. [Sign up for free here](. WHAT ELSE [Here’s what we know about the upcoming reviews by Hockey Canada and London police]( in the wake of sexual assault allegations. Toronto police are bracing for up to 1,000 bikers at an “unsanctioned” Hells Angels procession today. [Here’s what to expect](. Here’s how the Beer Store and other big retailers could [help solve Toronto’s housing crisis](. [Here’s why a massive gambling case against GTA Hells Angels has fallen apart](. [How Toronto’s accessible taxi service was blown up by Uber](. These six boys from Pickering have been [missing for 27 years](. The Canadian Forces’ former head of HR is facing internal misconduct charges. [Here’s what you need to know](. [This Toronto MP has been fined $500]( for not telling the navy about a withdrawn sexual assault charge against him. This Golden Mile restaurant [serves up delicious homestyle South Indian cooking](. [Toronto city council has voted to let cats roam the streets]( — at least for now. [A former Stouffville realtor previously jailed over a “Ponzi scheme” has been charged again]( — this time for a mortgage scam, police say. Tuna sandwich not cutting it? [Try these five fresh meal ideas](. POV Richard Lautens/The Star [With no one else around to do it, your ER doctor may be busy changing light bulbs or cleaning the rooms.]( CLOSE-UP Emilio Morenatti/AP Photo SPAIN: Jordi Villalta, 62, stands next to his house burnt during a wildfire in River Park village on Tuesday. “All I have is what I'm wearing,” he said, explaining that he could not salvage his clothes amid the fire. “I've lost everything.” Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_135648). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. 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