Amber Morley
A progressive councillor who consistently aligns with the mayor and council majority on most core policy areas, particularly in strong support of housing affordability, climate action, and social programs. Demonstrates a pragmatic, values-driven approach, frequently exhibiting independent judgment on specific issues. Key areas of deviation include police oversight, congestion and traffic management plans, certain fiscal measures, local development funding mechanisms, and occasional nuanced breaks on the implementation of climate or social policies. This pattern reflects a council member who is broadly cooperative but willing to dissent on principle or specific implementation concerns.
Strong and consistent support for initiatives to increase housing supply and affordability, including the Housing Action Plan, multiplex studies, tenant protections, and affordable home construction. Occasionally dissents on specific components or amendments, but overall advocates for expanded housing options and critiques provincial legislation that weakens rental protections.
Generally supports transit improvements, safety measures, and funding, but has repeatedly dissented on congestion management plans and specific TTC service policies, indicating a preference for alternative traffic solutions or concerns about implementation. Votes align with majority on transit infrastructure and e-bike regulations.
Typically aligns with the council majority on budget and tax measures, supporting property tax implementations, long-term financial plans, and user fees. Key exception was opposing the 2025 budget, suggesting occasional fiscal dissent on specific revenue tools or efficiency motions, but overall votes reflect support for the city's fiscal framework.
Notable Votes & Deviations
Appointment of public members to the Police Services Board
Demonstrates a critical stance on police governance and accountability, a rare dissent in police-related matters.
Congestion Management Plan 2023-2026 - Fall Update
Indicates consistent disagreement with the city's traffic management strategy, possibly favoring different approaches to congestion relief.
2025 Operating and Capital Budget
A significant break from the majority on core fiscal policy, reflecting dissent on budget priorities or tax measures.
Yonge-Dundas Square Renaming Initiative
Shows independent judgment on a symbolic cultural issue, diverging from the majority on renaming decisions.
Expanding Toronto Community Crisis Response to the TTC
Highlights a dissenting view on the expansion of mental health crisis services to public transit, indicating caution or alternative perspectives on public safety approaches.
Protecting Playgrounds and Parks: Ensuring Safety for Children and Families (Multiple votes on 2025-11-13)
Dissented on a motion focused on park safety, indicating a differing view on the proposed approach or priorities.
Driving Efficiencies at Toronto Parking Authority to Reduce 2026 Budget Pressures
Opposed a mayoral motion seeking operational efficiencies at the TPA, suggesting dissent on this specific fiscal measure.
Electricity and Toronto's Climate Commitments
Dissented on a committee item related to electricity and climate policy, a rare deviation from the strong pro-climate action trend.
FIFA Traffic Management
Consistent with pattern of dissent on major traffic and congestion management plans.
Towards Implementing a Maximum Indoor Temperature Requirement for Rental Units and Cooling Rooms (Multiple votes on 2025-12-16)
Dissented on several procedural votes related to cooling requirements for rentals, a nuanced break from typical support for tenant protections.
Strengthening the City's Heat Relief Strategy
Voted against a motion to strengthen heat relief, another nuanced dissent on a climate-adjacent social policy.
Making life more affordable for families by asking luxury-home buyers to chip in more (Multiple votes on 2025-12-17)
Opposed a motion for a new tax measure targeting luxury homes, indicating a fiscal or policy disagreement with this affordability tool.
199 College Street Community Benefits Charge, College Streetscape
Lone dissenter against a community benefits charge for a development, a significant independent stance on local funding mechanisms.
Showing Respect for Transit Customers: Implementing a Toronto Transit Commission Money-Back Guarantee
Dissented on a transit service guarantee motion, consistent with a pattern of independent judgment on TTC policy specifics.
Permanent Closure of a Portion of the Public Laneway at 66-66Y Third Street
Opposed the closure of a public laneway, reflecting a principled stance on maintaining public right-of-way.
Community Within Reach: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study - Phase Three Final Report
Dissented on a component of a major housing study, indicating a nuanced disagreement with specific policy directions within her generally pro-housing stance.