Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is a city of great importance, not just in Canada but globally. Its diverse population and vibrant culture make it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Every four years, the city holds an election to choose its mayor. In the upcoming mayoral election, several candidates have thrown their hats into the ring. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to the major candidates and give you an overview of their platforms.
John Tory
John Tory is the current mayor of Toronto and is seeking re-election in the upcoming election. He was first elected in 2014 and has since implemented several key policies such as the SmartTrack plan, which aims to improve public transportation in the city. Tory is a businessman and lawyer by profession and has previously served as the leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. He has been praised for bringing together various stakeholders to solve the city's issues. His platform for the upcoming election includes plans to reduce congestion on the city's roads, improve public transit, and address affordable housing.
Saron Gebresellassi
Saron Gebresellassi is a lawyer and human rights activist who is running for mayor in the upcoming election. She was born in Ethiopia and raised in Toronto and has a strong commitment to social justice issues. Gebresellassi has worked on a variety of human rights cases and is well known for her advocacy work on behalf of refugees. She has also been a vocal advocate for affordable housing and creating more public spaces. Her platform for the upcoming election includes policies to address affordable housing, increase the availability of affordable childcare, and improve public transportation.
Jennifer Keesmaat
Jennifer Keesmaat is a city planner and former chief planner for the City of Toronto. She is running for mayor in the upcoming election and has been critical of John Tory's policies. Keesmaat has been a vocal advocate for public transit and has criticized Tory's SmartTrack plan. She has also been a strong proponent of creating more affordable housing in the city. Keesmaat's platform for the upcoming election includes plans to create a more efficient public transit system, increase the availability of affordable housing, and address the city's growing income inequality.
Faith Goldy
Faith Goldy is a controversial candidate who has been associated with far-right views. She is running for mayor in the upcoming election and has been criticized for her anti-immigrant and Islamophobic views. Goldy has previously worked as a commentator for the far-right website Rebel Media and has been associated with white nationalist groups. Her platform for the upcoming election includes policies to reduce the number of refugees coming into the city, address the issue of illegal immigration, and increase public safety.
Sarah Climenhaga
Sarah Climenhaga is an urban planner and community activist who is running for mayor in the upcoming election. She has worked on a variety of community projects and has been a strong advocate for affordable housing and environmental issues. Climenhaga has criticized John Tory's policies on public transit and has called for more investment in cycling infrastructure. Her platform for the upcoming election includes plans to create more affordable housing, improve public transit, and address climate change.
In conclusion, the upcoming mayoral election in Toronto is set to be a highly contested affair. There are several major candidates, each with their own unique platforms and visions for the city. John Tory, the incumbent mayor, is seeking re-election and has been praised for his work in bringing together various stakeholders to solve the city's issues. Saron Gebresellassi, Jennifer Keesma