The Integrity Commissioner for Toronto has concluded that comments made by city councillor Chris Moise during a confrontation with a constituent last year breached the code of conduct established by the council. This determination followed an investigation into two complaints stemming from a town hall meeting held in the Toronto Centre on January 16, 2025.
According to the commissioner’s report, released this week, one of the complainants, Daniel Tate, a member of the advocacy group Integrity TO, confronted Moise regarding his role in the controversial renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square. The exchange occurred after the meeting when Tate approached Moise as he was leaving, questioning him about what other changes he planned to make concerning names that were perceived as offensive.
During the confrontation, Tate asked Moise, "So what are you doing this year, in 2025, relating to renaming things that hurt your feelings for whatever reason? What else is on your list?" In response, Moise stated, "Mr. Tate, I know that you and I have different opinions on many things. I know that you have different views than I do. I know you have a white supremacy view." Moise further added, “I don’t support your views." Tate immediately demanded an apology, expressing his outrage at being labeled a white supremacist, which he described as "appalling." The altercation continued with multiple voices arguing over one another.
Moise, in the escalation of the confrontation, remarked, "You have harassed me for months. I will never apologize." This exchange was documented by Tate, who subsequently shared the incident with media outlets, amplifying its visibility.
Moise later defended his actions in a statement to CityNews, insisting that he felt cornered by Tate and others present at the interaction, claiming they appeared to be associates or volunteers of Tate. One of the individuals present is heard on the recording asserting that Moise was "pulling the race card."
A few days following the confrontation, Tate submitted a complaint to the City’s Integrity Commissioner, an independent officer tasked with overseeing the conduct of elected and appointed officials in Toronto. The resulting investigation culminated in the report that found Moise’s remarks were directed at a specific individual and had the potential to cause reputational damage.
The commissioner concluded, “As a result, the Commissioner found that the Councillor had engaged with a member of the public in a derogatory manner while acting in his official role, violating Article 14 of the Code of Conduct.” Despite this finding, the report did not recommend any penalties, citing the context of the incident as a mitigating factor. The commissioner noted that the brief interaction took place as the complainant followed Moise with challenging questions after a meeting and became public only after Tate disseminated the video.
Additionally, the report acknowledged Moise’s experiences as a racialized individual and highlighted the "persistent criticism" he faces regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion policies. It stated that this was the first time the Integrity Commissioner had determined that a councillor acted in a derogatory manner towards a member of the public.
Integrity TO expressed disappointment over the decision not to impose a penalty, emphasizing that such derogatory remarks contribute to divisive rhetoric that undermines trust in public officials. Tate remarked, “When citizens fear reputational harm for speaking out, democracy itself is weakened.” The advocacy group is now urging city council to apply a “significant penalty” against Moise during their upcoming meeting to discuss the report, stating that this matter requires serious attention from council members.
Moise, undeterred by the criticism, reiterated his stance in an interview, saying, “We encourage our children and others that if they see something, say something. I will continue to say something when I see something. As an elected representative, it is incumbent on me to lead by example and stand up to racism, bigotry, and marginalization.” He also stated his disagreement with the Integrity Commissioner’s findings, asserting, "I have no regrets, and I will always stand up to white nationalism and white nationalist politics."
