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Historic Step Forward Would Mean More Autonomy For Toronto
TORONTO, Dec. 14 /CNW/ - New legislation to strengthen the City of
Toronto would help Ontario's largest city to grow and prosper by giving it the
autonomy to make more of its own decisions, says Ontario Premier Dalton
McGuinty.
"A strong Toronto means a stronger Ontario. And greater autonomy is one
of the tools that can make one of the world's great cities even greater," said
Premier McGuinty. "Toronto would now have the ability to be as dynamic, as
competitive and as successful as the people who have chosen to build their
lives here."
The Premier marked the introduction of the proposed legislation - slated
for later today in the Legislature - by joining Mayor David Miller and
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Gerretsen in a downtown office
tower overlooking several of Toronto's neighbourhoods.
If passed, the legislation would allow the City to pass bylaws covering
its services, programs and public assets. These bylaws could range from
protecting public safety to setting bar hours to regulating store openings on
holidays.
"Our government is the first to recognize Toronto in legislation as a
responsible, accountable government with broad, permissive powers," said
Gerretsen. "We feel that Toronto must take a historic step forward and set its
own course. It's time for the people of Toronto to determine their own
future."
"This is a huge achievement. It gives the City of Toronto its own
Charter, which has been called for, for more than 100 years. For the first
time ever, there is recognition of Toronto's status as the sixth largest
government in Canada," Miller said. "This gives us the ability to act on the
priorities of Torontonians and positions the city to move boldly forward into
the 21st century."
Since taking office, the McGuinty government has taken bold new steps to
improve relations between the two levels of government. This legislation
builds on the government's investments in Toronto, including:
- More than $3.6 billion for Toronto's hospitals last year
- Approximately $1.3 billion to support Toronto-area universities and
colleges
- $81 million in provincial gas tax funding in 2004-05
- $73 million to support the Toronto Transit Commission this year
- More than $28 million for affordable housing programs.
"The City of Toronto grew up a long time ago. It's time for the law to
catch up," said Premier McGuinty. "Together with our new investments in things
like public transit, health care and education, this Act would provide Toronto
with the tools it needs to be as optimistic about its future, as it is
rightfully proud of its past."
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For further information: Premier's Media Office, (416) 314-8975
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