Top Toronto mayoral candidates represent one of the most diverse slates in city’s history
Posted May 2, 2023 4:42 pm.
Last Updated May 2, 2023 6:23 pm.
The slate of top candidates for the Toronto mayoral byelection this year is the most diverse group in the city’s history, but what part does it play in this year’s election?
CityNews posed that exact question about whether race, religion, or gender plays a part in this campaign and potentially impacts how one will vote for a number of candidates. Here are their responses:
Ana Bailão
“I think it’s great that we have such a diverse group of candidates. I think that is great that the city is engaged. I’ve been attending many community events from different religions, different ethnic groups. The communities are reaching out to candidates were keep in contact and I think that’s great.
We want to truly live by the motto that diversity is our strength. And that is making sure that people feel their voices are heard at election time when somebody is elected mayor, and that they want to participate. And I think the more participation and engagement we have, the better, the better the outcome.
The issues that I hear are very common though. Very much around services, affordability, around affordable housing. I’m hearing the issues from very diverse communities and the selection talking about those issues and that’s why I’m so focused on talking to them and hearing from them.”
Brad Bradford
“This is one of the most diverse ballots here in a mayoral race in Toronto’s history. and we are, of course, the most diverse city in the world. So, I think it’s great that the ballot is much more reflective of the city as a whole. We have spent our time going across all 640 square kilometres of the city from Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York and of course, downtown, listening to people, their hopes or concerns or aspirations for the city.
I think regardless of race, socioeconomic background, ethnicity, or religion, people want less talk and more action at City Hall. they’re concerned about affordability. they’re concerned about community safety. and they’re concerned about getting around the city, so I hear that every single day. We’re committed to running a campaign and to being a mayor of strong action on these files and making life more affordable and easier for Torontonians.”
Chloe Brown
“Depending on what group you fall into, you might be the minority, in the majority. And I feel that as a woman, I’ve often heard policy issues that don’t really focus on the safety of women, helping women get into the workforce so yes, all those issues do play a role in forming policy, but they don’t play a role in understanding your values.
The truth is no matter where you’re from, your gender, or your religion, all of us value good governance, order, peace, and a variety of things that are achievable, if we all work together, and put aside the surface identities that we’ve been given.”
Olivia Chow
“Women and racialized communities are having a harder time getting by these days as the city becomes more and more expensive. So, it’s encouraging that so many diverse candidates are running but for me, it’s so important that we take better care of each other and make the city more affordable for everybody.
There’s something that cuts across all, whether it’s race, gender, or all of that. It’s called poverty. It means it’s harder to get by. And for too long, these communities have been ignored as the city gets more and more expensive. It’s harder and harder for them to get by. And we need a mayor to really level the playing field and make sure that life becomes a lot more affordable.”
Mitzie Hunter
“I think it’s wonderful and it’s extraordinary that we have all diverse backgrounds, faiths, and people who are in this race. It’s such a good thing. It’s a wonderful thing. I embrace that. I believe that Toronto needs to be a city that works for everyone, everywhere, and certainly, the mayor of the city needs to recognize that and be a part of our diverse and great city.
Hopefully, it encourages people to come out and participate in this election. This is an election about the future of our city and so everyone needs to see themselves having a stake. So, I certainly hope that people will get engaged in this election and come out and vote. I believe the issues that we face in Toronto are urgent and we need people participating.
I represent an incredibly diverse community in Scarborough-Guildwood right now. Fourteen per cent is Caribbean, 30 per cent is South Asian and I’m an immigrant born in Jamaica. I grew up in Scarborough and when I say that I bring that outside in, that’s one of the things that I’m talking about. People really need to see themselves represented in the corridors of City Hall and the city represents who they are.”
Josh Matlow
“I think it’s really important to understand whether it be cultural, geographical, or otherwise, to just understand what your communities need from their mayor and what their priorities are. I also believe that it’s important that the leadership of our city, including our city management, that we have more diversity, whether it be gender, whether it be various cultural backgrounds because we are the most, I would argue, diverse city in the entire world.
Our motto is diversity, our strength. And as mayor, I am going to be ensuring that the people who are leading our city, including within our public service, better reflect the diversity of our city. And that comes from understanding what the different groups in our city, who have very unique differences but also so much in common, are asking for their city, from their city and my job is to deliver that.”
Mark Saunders
“Absolutely it does. [Diversity] defines Toronto. When we look at our city and what it was versus what it is now, more people are getting involved. When we talk about culture, values, religion, and beliefs, that defines Toronto. That’s why we were a world within a city and in order to do it right, you have to be listening to everybody in order to figure out what the best solutions are to make this city the fantastic, vibrant city that it is.
When we compare it to the last election and that’s assuming that every white mayor was expecting every white vote, it doesn’t work that way. That’s what makes a democracy. The platforms are going to speak loud and clear. Who is listening to the entire city and in what direction does the city want to move? So I would say it does play a factor but the bigger factor is who you are and whether are you going to be an effective leader for this great, dynamic city of Toronto.”
For more details on what each of the top candidates is promising during the mayoral campaign, click here.
With files from Meredith Bond
