The City of Toronto has hired a new permanent city clerk. John Elvidge assumed the role of interim city clerk in October 2020 after former clerk Ulli Watkiss stepped down. In a statement Wednesday, the city said that council has unanimously approved hiring him to a permanent role following a comprehensive recruitment process. "Throughout his career, John has shown true leadership, resilience and fortitude,” City Manager Chris Murray said in a statement. “With an openness to innovation and an encyclopaedic knowledge of governance, I am confident John will continue to make an impact on members of council, the Toronto Public Service and Toronto residents."