There are 31 candidates running for mayor. The current mayor, John Tory, has been in office for eight years and is presently seeking his third term. The most prominent candidate running against him, Gil Penalosa, is a former city planner who arrived in Canada 23 years ago from Colombia.
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and has the highest population of newcomers in the country. In fact, over half of Toronto’s residents were born outside of Canada and have created well-established communities throughout the city and the surrounding area.
While the main candidates have not specifically addressed immigrants and immigration as part of their platforms, there are several ongoing debates that may have a significant impact on the lives of all Torontonians as well as newcomers to Canada.
The main issues for the new Mayer needs to focus are:
Affordable housing
The average price of a home in Toronto is over $1 million. A lack of affordable housing in Toronto has led to some residents being unable to afford rent or buy homes in the city and therefore having no choice but to move elsewhere.
City transportation cost
The cost and efficiency of public transit has also proven to be a major issue, with some candidates seeking to make the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) less expensive for passengers, or free.
Newcomer Strategy
Toronto is experiencing a labour shortage as in addition to the city old population the birthrate remains low. Toronto relies heavily on the substantial number of newcomers who choose to settle in the city to keep the economy strong.
In May 2021 the city introduced a revised Newcomers Settlement Strategy, that aims to help newcomers, regardless of immigration status, integrate and settle in Toronto. Unlike other cities in addition to the citizens and permanent residence Toronto's city election is open to all to vote if the voter meets the followings:
- a Canadian citizen; and
- at least 18 years old; and
- a resident in the city of Toronto; or
- a non-resident of Toronto, but you or your spouse own or rent property in the city; and
- not prohibited from voting under any law.
