Environmental Priorities Mayoral Debate - Sept 23 2010
The debate will focus on our 6 Environmental Priorities and include questions suggested by our members, allies and friends.
The debate will be moderated by Gord Miller, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. Get your free tickets now!
Mid-Campaign Mayoral Candidate Report Card
Our mid-campaign report card examines what the top Mayoral candidates have said about Toronto's six Municipal Election Environmental Priorities. These priorities are endorsed by a growing list of community and environmental organizations across Toronto.
Candidate evaluations are based on remarks and statements made publicly at debates, in the media and on the candidates' websites, as well as on-the-record to us, the Toronto Environmental Alliance.
We hope this mid-campaign report card will help guide candidates as they develop their environmental platforms. We also hope Torontonians will use this report card to discuss environmental issues with candidates.
Download the report card here [pdf] or read more here.
Our Toronto Election Guest Blogs
Who is the Most Environmentally Responsible Politician Running for Mayor of Toronto?
Franz Hartmann
Guest blog on The Mark
August 19, 2010
With less than 90 days before Torontonians elect a new mayor, a growing number of people will be wondering: who is the greenest candidate? To help inform voters the Toronto Environmental Alliance released a mid-campaign report card in July that set out what the top candidates have said on the six key environmental priorities. In the fall, TEA will be releasing a final report card assigning letter grades to all candidates.
While Torontonians wait for these results, it’s also important to consider what candidates have done in the past to help green Toronto. Read the full article here...
Where is the Environment?
Franz Hartmann
Guest blog on Torontoist
July 22, 2010
With just over four months to go before election day, some Torontonians are just now beginning to turn their minds to the mayoral election campaign. What they'll discover is that the front-running mayoral candidates have said little of significance about the environment.
Yes, there has been much discussion about public transit, which has a huge environmental impact. And yes, a few candidates have mentioned the environment in their speeches. Some have even posted short policy discussions about select green issues on their websites. Even so, an observer could rightly conclude that this topic has been largely neglected.
For a city that prides itself on being an environmental leader, this is—at best—a peculiar situation. Why is it that none of the front-running candidates has taken an environment stance and run with it?" Read the full article here...
It’s the Green, Manufacturing Economy, Stupid
Franz Hartmann
Guest blog for Toronto Board of Trade
July 20, 2010
To date, most of the discussion by mayoral candidates about Toronto’s economy has focused on what City Hall must do to make it easier for businesses in Toronto to thrive. Lower taxes, less red tape and privatizing public services have been the top of the list of solutions. What’s missing has been any discussion about what City Hall can do to help Toronto’s economy benefit from the growing global demand for green products and services. Read the full article here...
2010 Municipal Election Priorities
Let's Continue Building a Green Toronto
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For 10 years Toronto has worked hard to solve key environmental problems facing the city. Investments to expand public transit and create a city-wide green bin program and programs that promote energy efficiency and green power all curb climate change, clean the air and create necessary and new green jobs. Policies that reduce toxic pollutants make for healthier communities and businesses. All of this happened because Torontonians and successive City Councils believed that environmental solutions are a priority. |
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Over the coming months, Mayor and Council candidates will be speaking to Torontonians about their vision of the City. While there may be disagreements on other issues, everyone should agree we must continue to build on Toronto's environmental successes. Below are 6 priority actions, in no particular order, that will build on 10 years of environmental success. Investments in each action won't just improve our environment, they will lead to better health and save us money as we avoid some of the huge financial costs associated with traffic congestion, waste disposal, climate change, and illnesses due to pollution. |
Priority Actions
1. Build Transit City & Fund It
2. Achieve 70% Waste Diversion by 2012
3. Buy & Support Locally-Produced Green Products 4. Build Transportation Infrastructure Everyone Can Use |
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We call on every candidate to endorse these 6 priority actions and work towards implementing them over the next term of Council. |
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Check Out: Priorities in Detail | Endorsers | Midterm Mayoral Report Card | History | Take Action | How to Donate |
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The next Council must develop and implement a "Complete Streets" policy by 2014, fully implement the Toronto Bike Plan by 2012, and launch a public education campaign targeting all road users about road sharing and responsibilities.
