John Filion, a distinguished individual born in the year 1950, had a remarkable career as a Toronto city councillor, serving the constituents of Ward 18 Willowdale. Initially, he had intended to retire in 2018, but a significant change in legislation introduced by Premier Doug Ford, which altered ward boundaries, prompted him to reconsider his decision. According to Filion, the revised boundaries made it exceedingly challenging for a community activist, recognized within a specific area, to successfully vie for a council seat. He ultimately decided to run for re-election, driven by his conviction that the altered boundaries would hinder the representation of local voices.
On June 10, 2022, Filion announced that he would not be seeking re-election in the October 2022 Toronto municipal election, bringing an end to his 40-year tenure in municipal politics. Throughout his illustrious career, Filion was regarded as a "rare suburban progressive" on Toronto council, earning a reputation for his dedication to serving the needs of his constituents.
