Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is a Canadian civil servant who has been the city manager for the City of Toronto since December 2, 2022.

Background and education Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in history from McMaster University and completed the Community Shift Leadership Program from Ivey Business School at Western University in London, Ontario.

Career Johnson began his career in the non-profit sector, where he worked on homelessness and poverty reduction initiatives. He joined Wesley Urban Ministries in 1995, where he would work for 15 years, including 10 years as executive director.

COVID-19 During the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Johnson served as Hamilton's emergency operations centre director, where he managed the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic along with medical officer of health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson.

On December 2, 2022, Mayor John Tory announced that Johnson was selected to become Toronto's city manager. Since Chris Murray stepped down on August 19, the role of city manager had been vacant, with deputy city manager Tracy Cook acting in the role until Johnson's appointment. Johnson's appointment was one of the first uses of the new strong mayor powers granted to the mayor of Toronto following the 2022 election.

Personal life Johnson referees basketball and is a NOCP evaluator and instructor.