The mayor of Toronto wants Canada's largest city to rise above the rest of the country by becoming a global environmental leader.

"Where national governments have failed to lead, cities must lead. And as Canada's biggest city, we have the opportunity to lead by example," David Miller said, laying out his bold vision as he began his second term in office.
 
The mayor and all 44 city councillors elected in the Nov. 13 municipal election met for the first time at a swearing-in ceremony at city hall Tuesday.

Miller used the opening session to set out aggressive targets aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cleaning up smog in the city.

His goal: to cut smog pollutants in Toronto's air by 20 per cent within the next six years and to develop a climate change strategy for the city.

Ignore Toronto at own 'peril': mayor

The mayor also took the opportunity to reiterate his plan to pursue both federal and provincial governments for a one per cent share of the federal and provincial sales tax generated in Toronto.

The city faces a budget shortfall of $500 million.

Miller said either the city faces huge cuts in services or a lot more money has to come from Ottawa and Ontario. He threatened both with electoral failure if they don't give Toronto what is rightfully the city's.

"Within a year, they are all facing re-election. The candidates and parties that put forward the best platform for Toronto and the cities will be rewarded," said Miller.

"Those that ignore Toronto, do so at their peril," he added.

The provincial Liberal government flatly refused Miller's recent request for the sales tax money.

Asked what his backup plan was if the money isn't forthcoming, Miller replied, "That is plan A. It's also plan B."

Named executive members

Miller also named the members of his new executive committee at the opening session.

The committee, which will act much like a cabinet, includes a number of well-known Miller loyalists, including councillors Joe Mihevc, Howard Moscoe and Paula Fletcher.

The seven key committee chairs are as follows:

• Ward 21 St. Paul's Coun. Joe Mihevc, Community development and recreation.
• Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale Coun. Kyle Rae, Economic development.
• Ward 4 Etobicoke Centre Coun. Gloria Lindsay Luby, General government.
• Ward 15 Eglinton Lawrence Coun. Howard Moscoe, Licensing and standards.
• Ward 30 Toronto Danforth Coun. Paula Fletcher, Parks and environment.
• Ward 36 Scarborough Southwest Coun. Brian Ashton, Planning and growth development.
• Ward 38 Scarborough Centre Coun. Glenn De Baeremaeker, Public Works and infrastructure.

Shelley Carroll, who represents Ward 33 Don Valley East, has been appointed to head up the budget committee, which will face the difficult task of closing the huge fiscal gap.

She joked Tuesday that she got the job because no one else wanted it.

The position of Toronto Transit Commission chair still faces a formal vote by council, but it is expected that  Adam Giambrone, a young, second-term councillor, is likely to replace the controversial Howard Moscoe.

Giambrone said one of the TTC's biggest jobs in the next month will be deciding whether another fare increase is necessary.

The councillor, who represents Ward 18 Davenport, was vice-chair of the TTC in the last council.