Toronto Deputy Mayor Mike Colle has urged Oxford Properties to cancel Tesla’s lease at Yorkdale Shopping Center amid backlash over Elon Musk’s links to Donald Trump. Officials fear job losses and economic fallout from the company’s controversial ties, intensifying debates over corporate ethics and political influence in Toronto amid alarm.
A CBC article states that Mike Colle, the deputy mayor of Toronto, has declared his intention to force Tesla out of town on the grounds that Musk is associated with Donald Trump.
Additionally, Colle has requested that Oxford Properties terminate Tesla’s lease at the Yorkdale Shopping Center in a letter she penned.
“People are really angry with anything to do with Tesla, and they’re also letting me know they’re not happy with the fact that there’s a Tesla retail outlet in my ward. I’m cordially asking the owners of Yorkdale Plaza, would you please consider terminating their lease or asking them to leave,” Colle wrote, adding that his letter is a “polite, aggressive ask.”
Colle said it’s sad that Tesla workers in the city could lose their jobs if the electric vehicle manufacturer is forced out of Toronto, but he’s more concerned about the 500,000 Ontarians who will be left homeless due to the tariffs imposed by Both Musk and Trump.
As for the zero-emissions grant program in Toronto, which is available to owners of taxis and limousines, Mayor Olivia Chow has also proposed a resolution to remove Tesla electric vehicles from it. The council approved the measure last week.
It has been verified by Shane Gerard, the city spokesperson, that Tesla Canada has not broken any bylaws in Toronto.
“Tesla Motors Canada ULC., operating as Tesla Motors, currently holds five active public garage licenses. Enforcement, including potential license revocation, pertains mostly to businesses operating without this license or not complying with license conditions. The city is not aware of any breaches of Chapter 545 by Tesla Motors,” Gerard said.
James Pasternak, a councilor in Toronto, has spoken out against the city’s anti-Tesla plans.
The official claims that, given the current trade war between the US and Canada, it would be foolish to single out Tesla Canada employees.
Pasternak pointed out that they’re taking a huge risk by attempting to shut down companies whose CEOs are located in another country and whose words they deem insulting. Furthermore, he believes they have no business making individuals lose their employment.
The councilor further pointed out that, as Tesla is not breaking any laws, the city of Toronto probably can’t kick the company out. Also, Tesla isn’t breaking any rules.
Additionally, Pasternak said that people should be free to choose whether or not to buy from questionable businesses, Teslarati shares.
Concerning the possibility of legal complications, he said that Toronto should not penalize a company that is not in violation of any laws.
Luis Gochoco is a seasoned managing editor and writer with over a decade of experience covering politics, technology, gaming, and entertainment news. With a keen eye for breaking stories and in-depth analysis, he has established himself as a trusted voice in digital journalism. Luis is one of the key forces behind the success of GameNGuide, contributing to 12 million views through engaging and high-traffic content. He also played a pivotal role in generating 8 million views on International Business Times, shaping the platform’s technology and gaming coverage.
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