Community News
“We need leadership not puppetship!” Are the propagated mayoral candidates really representing the people of Toronto?
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
The second and final mayoral debate, hosted by the Toronto Region Board of Trade, took place Monday, October 17th, 2022 at The Carlu. The mayoral candidates that were invited to the event included: John Tory, Gil Peñalosa, Chloe Brown, Sara Climenhaga, and Stephen Punwasi. During the 90-minute debate, they were asked about how they would improve transit and transportation; increase housing, support businesses, cut red tape and processes for business operators and address budgetary pressures.
An outsider looking at the debate may have said to themselves, “Look at that! Such a diverse selection of candidates; each individual representing the cultural and sexual diversity that you find here in Toronto!
Yes, maybe! It is okay to have the United Colours of Benetton splashed across our screens, but the question is, are the propagated mayoral candidates really representing the people of Toronto? There are whispers throughout the communities across Toronto that indeed this is not the case.
We are Canada’s leading Caribbean Newspaper, so it is important that we focus our attention on the fact that the true voice of the people has not been recognized. We have become subjected to photo ops that are supposed to reflect unity, but they are just that; photo ops. The person who Toronto’s mainstream media called “a heckler,” was actually mayoral candidate Reginald Tull, who presented a fair question to current Mayor John Tory, before security escorted him away.
“On Monday,” candidate Reginald Tull stated on his Instagram page, “ we vote for a mayor who is going to represent ALL of Toronto, not one who supports Rosedale, but neglects Morningside, now one who supports High Park, but neglects Regent Park. Toronto needs a mayor to speak up and stand up for ALL the people. We need leadership not puppetship.”
Another strong community candidate is the infamous Knia Singh. This is not Knia’s first time running, and he shared with me the frustrations he has had to deal with during this campaign. His experiences sound similar to the frustrations that Reginald Tull has spoken to.
“The media has not even mentioned my name, and that is frustrating because I have done so much. It feels very purposeful. I don’t think they would block me if they thought I didn’t have a chance. When you take a look at the debate they had on Monday, you could tell they had filled their diversity quota. It seemed like they just checked the boxes. They didn’t include me in the mayoral debate, and this is not the first time. They did this in 2018.”
Toronto Mayoral Candidate Knia Singh will be doing the first “Walk Across Toronto,” happening tomorrow (October 22nd, 2022), themed “Connecting the Dots!” It is promising to be a beautiful day, and Knia Singh has revolutionized the idea of campaigning by actually walking through all voting jurisdictions with his aim to “connect” with as many Torontonians as he possibly can.
“This weekend is the walk across Toronto. There are issues around the city that have not been addressed. I want this walk to allow people to join me, and voice their pain. I don’t have time to walk through all the wards, so I thought, why not, let’s do this in one day. We are one big city, and unfortunately, we don’t act like a joint city. You have to make an effort to make progress.”
“When you are continuously ignored and disregarded as a strong and ideal Mayoral candidate, what keeps your resolve,” I questioned.
“Sometimes I feel discouraged, but I have such a strong will that I refuse to stop. I have to challenge that the media does not include me in the discussions. It is not only that it is a hard path to get elected; there are also forces that are working against me. I deal with it because I know how this system is designed. It is not a shock to me; in my head, this is another obstacle. I just know what to expect, and I have a great deal of support.
After the walk, there will be time to celebrate with all my supporters at On the Danforth. If you support what I represent, this is the day you can show your support and make it count. Join us as we stand for a new direction in Toronto. A new Mayor and a higher standard of living for everyone!”
For those who are interested joining Knia Singh, we have included some details for you below:
- 7:00 am – The walk will start
- 8:00 am – First stop, Albion Mall
- 9:00 am – Stop two: Felmo Park
- 10:00 am – Stop Three: Keele/Wilson
- 11:00 am – Stop Four: Avenue/Wilson
- 12:00 pm – Stop Five: York Mills C.I.
- 1:00/2:00 pm – Stop Six: Parkway Mall
- 3:00 pm – Stop Seven: Edgewood Park
- 4:00 pm – Stop Eight: Golf Club/Lawrence
- 5:00 pm – Stop Eight: Highland Creek Park
- 6:00 pm – Stop Nine: Rouge Park Beach
We wish the very best to all mayoral candidates, and we cheer for those who many consider underdogs; they always make the best stories.