Frances Nunziata

Frances Nunziata ( , ; born c. 1950) is a Canadian municipal politician who has served on Toronto City Council since the city's amalgamation in 1998, representing York South–Weston (Ward 5). Since December 1, 2010, she has been the Speaker of Council. Before amalgamation, she served as the mayor of what was then the City of York, from 1994 to 1997. She had been elected to York City Council in 1988 after previously becoming a school board trustee in 1985. She is the sister of former Member of Parliament John Nunziata and the aunt of Toronto District School Board trustee Patrick Nunziata.

Early life Nunziata was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. Before entering politics, she worked as an accounting clerk and became active in civic issues through the Harwood Ratepayers Association.

Political career

City of York Nunziata was first elected as a school board trustee for the City of York in 1985.

In 1994, she challenged incumbent mayor Fergy Brown and was elected as Mayor of York. She served in that role until 1997, when the City of York was amalgamated into Toronto.

Toronto City Council Following amalgamation, Nunziata was elected to represent Ward 11, later reconfigured into Ward 5 (York South–Weston).

Nunziata has focused on public safety, infrastructure renewal, and affordable housing throughout her tenure.

On December 7, 2010, Nunziata was elected by council as Speaker of Toronto City Council. She has since been re-elected to the position by her council colleagues at the start of each new term.

Community initiatives Nunziata has been active in community projects through her ward office, supporting neighbourhood improvement associations, local business improvement areas (BIAs), and youth programming. Her office has collaborated with the Weston Village BIA and Mount Dennis BIA on beautification and small business initiatives. The report concluded that Nunziata had breached Articles 5 and 7 of the City Council Code of Conduct by transferring constituent email information to her campaign without explicit consent, and recommended a reprimand by City Council.

Electoral record Year Ward / Position Votes % Main opponent(s) 2022 Ward 5 York South–Weston 10,077 47.61% Chiara Padovani (9,983 – 47.16%) 2018 Ward 5 York South–Weston 8,425 32.18% Frank Di Giorgio 2014 Ward 11 13,201 71.33% Jose Garcia (3,212 – 17.36%) 2010 Ward 11 10,544 66.79% Fulvio Sansone (2,290 – 14.51%) 2006 Ward 11 6,469 49.60% Paul Ferreira (4,812 – 36.90%) 2003 Ward 11 9,819 77.98% Rosemarie Mulhall (2,772 – 22.02%) Sources: City of Toronto – City Clerk official declarations.

Personal life Nunziata is a longtime resident of York South–Weston. She has served continuously in elected office since 1985 and describes her work as focused on neighbourhood safety, local infrastructure, and community engagement.