Toronto Needs a Better Deal: Standing Up for Local Democracy
Jan 28 2025
Doug Ford’s recent interference in municipal decision-making is yet another reminder of how vulnerable Toronto is under the current system. Decisions made thoughtfully and democratically by City Council—whether about housing, transportation, or how elections are run—can be overturned at the whim of the provincial government.
This isn’t just about one premier or one policy, it’s a systemic issue. Toronto, as Canada’s largest city, is responsible for delivering and funding services that millions of residents rely on every day, including transit, social housing, roads, and recreation. Yet, our city has little autonomy when it comes to charting its own course or even collecting revenue. The province holds all the power and constant meddling undercuts local democracy.
The consequences of this go beyond the Council Chambers. When residents see their input ignored or their city’s decisions reversed by Queen’s Park, they start to disengage. Why bother attending a public meeting or filling out a consultation survey if the provincial government will just swoop in and impose its will anyway? This erosion of trust in the system is dangerous for our city and for democracy as a whole.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Cities around the world have frameworks in place that protect their independence and ensure local governments can make decisions that reflect the needs of their communities. Known as “Charter Cities” or “Home Rule,” these cities have authority over local affairs. Toronto deserves the same.
Creating a City Charter wouldn’t just give Toronto the tools it needs to govern effectively; it would also make the division of roles and responsibilities between the city and senior levels of government clearer and more transparent. This, in turn, would make everyone more accountable to the public.
Of course, this isn’t an easy fix. No one is pretending that gaining greater autonomy will happen overnight, especially with a provincial government that has shown little interest in respecting Toronto’s authority. But if we don’t start talking seriously about how to make this happen, we’ll be stuck in this broken system for decades to come.
That’s why the motion being discussed today at City Hall, 2025.EX20.13: Toward Municipal Autonomy and Effective Local Governance, is so important. The motion calls for the creation of a Program Advisory Body that would bring together local advocates and governance experts to figure out how to move forward and develop a roadmap for real change.
Momentum is growing. More and more Torontonians are frustrated by provincial overreach and are ready for a conversation about how to empower our city. Now is the time to start building the foundation for a stronger, more independent Toronto—one where residents’ voices are heard and local decisions are respected.
If you believe in protecting local democracy and ensuring Toronto has the tools it needs to thrive, speak up. Support efforts like this motion and stay engaged in the conversation. Together, we can push for a better deal for our city and build a system that works for all of us.
For more info from Charter City Toronto - https://www.chartercitytoronto.ca/