The Mayoral Race is on: Mayoral debate intends to address key Issues facing Toronto

BY PAUL JUNOR

The upcoming mayoral debate on Thursday, May 31^st, at the Ted Rogers School of Management (located at Toronto Metropolitan University) will be an opportunity for the mayoral candidates to address key issues raised by Torontonians.

In addition to TMU, the debate will be hosted by the Toronto Star (The Star) and the United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT). Members of the public are invited to attend and share their views on what are the essential issues, concerns, and needs that they face in Toronto. Issues such as: poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, transportation, jobs, rising crimes, and public safety are expected to take front and centre of the debate.

The mayoral election of June 26^th, 2023, was triggered by the sudden and unexpected resignation of former Mayor John Tory after he confessed in February 2023 to having an illicit affair with one of his staff members.

In a press release published on Monday, March 13^th, 2023, by the UWGT, states that this debate will be a pivotal forum to address the critical issues that impact residents across the GTA, and how we build vibrant and inclusive communities where everyone has: an affordable place to live, a good job, access to services they need, and a voice in shaping the city.

UWGT is the largest non-governmental funding of community services in the GTA, and through its initiatives, it aspires to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive.

Daniele Zanotti (President and CEO of UWDT) states, “Civic engagement is critically needed now. We  need to drive solutions to poverty and inequity now, as Toronto is growing. UWGT is working hard to make affordable housing, good jobs and strong neighbourhoods a priority for this by-election. This debate will help foster a dialogue on solutions, so whichever civic leader is elected as the city’s next mayor, they know where to start.”

Jordan Bitove, Publisher of The Star states, “Our readers depend on us to address the issues they face in their daily lives. During this mayoral campaign, The Star is committed to engaging the entire city in a conversation about the future, and pushing the candidates to lay out a roadmap for a stronger, more cohesive, more caring Toronto for all.”

Mohamed Lachemi, President of TMU states, “We are thrilled to be welcoming the candidates, students and the community to our campus. The mayoral debate will provide a space for Torontonians to share their vision for the city, and help in determining the next leader of Canada’s largest city. Voting with confidence means being informed on the issues and candidate platforms that impact our day-to-day lives.”

Although the mayoral debate is a collaboration with the three parties, TMU’s Democratic Engagement Exchange plays an integral role. The mission of the Exchange is to build a vibrant and inclusive democracy, where everyone living in Canada can contribute to creating healthy communities and solve our most pressing challenges. The Exchange is involved in pursuing the following activities:

• Championing policies and programs that foster democratic engagement
• Providing strategic advice to organizations, government agencies and funders interested in fostering democratic engagement
• Partnering with community organizations and government agencies to provide training and resources to engage communities