On October 24, Mayor and city council elections were held in Toronto. Among the responsibilities of the municipal government are real estate taxes, public transportation, open areas like parks, and rubbish collection. The level of governance closest to ordinary life is this one.
Each ward’s (neighborhood’s) mayor and a city council member will be elected in this election.
It is estimated that 31 candidates are seeking the position of mayor. It has been eight years since the incumbent mayor, John Tory has served in office. He was born in Colombia but immigrated to Canada 23 years ago. His opponent, Gil Penalosa, is a former city planner.
Immigrants are the most numerous in Toronto, Canada’s largest city. Toronto’s non-Canadian population is more than half, and they have formed vibrant communities throughout the city.
Even though the major candidates have not officially mentioned immigrants and immigration as a part of their platform, there are dozens of ongoing discussions that may have a huge impact on the lives of all Torontonians and recent immigrants to Canada.
Affordability of housing and public transportation are major concerns
As well as public transportation, affordable housing, support for small businesses, and the labor shortage, during the election will focus on these issues.
On average, Toronto houses cost over $1 million. The lack of cheap housing in Toronto forces many residents to relocate, making renting and buying properties impossible.
It has also become increasingly evident how crucial it is to optimize public transport efficiency and affordability. Several candidates have advocated for free or significantly reduced fares for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
Many current proposals to expand the subway system have also been met with great opposition. Underground subway systems are supported by some people, but above-ground light rail systems are preferred by others in urban areas that frequently have large immigrant populations. Transit plans for metropolises the size of Toronto also need provincial and federal funding, which can cause delays in implementation.
Strategy for newcomers
Despite the fact that the baby boomer generation has reached retirement age and the birthrate remains low, Toronto is experiencing a labor shortage, just like the rest of Canada. Toronto’s economy is primarily dependent on the large number of immigrants who choose to reside there. 117,770 new permanent residents moved to Toronto in 2019. In the year 2020, 61065 people moved.
Toronto was the first city to adopt an updated immigrant settlement strategy in May 2021. In order to support newcomers, regardless of immigration status, in integrating and settling in the city.
Toronto reaffirmed its commitment to helping newcomers integrate and settle in Toronto with the release of its updated Immigrants Settlement Strategy in May 2021.
Over eight years after the original policy was adopted in 2013, a significant influx of refugees and the COVID-19 pandemic have convinced policymakers that it is time to reform it. Among the initiatives made possible by the 2013 plan are Toronto Newcomer Day, the Newcomer Services Kiosk Program, Refugee Resettlement Program, and Access to City Services for Undocumented Residents. Under Access TO, no identification will be required for those seeking medical care, childcare, emergency services, or food banks provided by the city.
Through the updated strategy, ATO will emphasize employee retraining, raise awareness of Access TO, and work with stakeholders to address systemic problems with Canada’s immigration system affecting immigrants in the city.
Do you have the right to vote?
The following are the requirements for voting in the election:
- Having Canadian citizenship.
- Aged 18 or older.
- Currently residing in Toronto.
- Your spouse or yourself own or rent a house or apartment in Toronto even though you are not a resident.
- not be barred from voting by any legal provisions.
When you vote, what should you expect?
On election day, you will be required to bring your voter card. As well as a form of identification that has your name and address on it. It is important to note that while all votes are anonymous, it ensures that the ballot is cast in the area where you live by verifying your identity and address. As soon as you get behind a cardboard screen, you’ll have to complete your ballot based on the instructions and then hand it to a voting official for review.
