Plans to cut Toronto riding ‘a slap in the face,’ say local politicians

Local lawmakers say Elections Canada’s proposal to cut a federal riding will decrease representation at all levels of government.

Thestar.com
April 18, 2023
Alyshah Hasham

All of Toronto city council -- barring one member -- are demanding Elections Canada cancel plans to cut a federal riding from Toronto, a decision they fear will end up losing the growing city crucial political representation at all levels of government.

“Don’t touch Toronto,” said Coun. Lily Cheng (Ward 18 Willowdale), at a press conference Monday, flanked by Liberal MP Michael Coteau and Liberal MPP Adil Shamji, who both represent Don Valley East, which will effectively be split into three and eliminated if the North York riding boundary redistribution is finalized.

“By reducing the number of ridings in Toronto, the federal government is further silencing the diversity in our community,” said Cheng.

Both Coteau and Shamji criticized the consultation process, which they say failed to give the community a chance to weigh in on proposed changes and the impact it will have, with Shamji pointing to the discussion around moving the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place as an example of the need for strong local representation.

Coteau has said provincial legislation, including the Representation Act and the City of Toronto Act, mean that a loss of a federal riding will almost certainly result in a loss of a provincial riding and a council seat.

“I think it’s actually a slap in the face,” said Coun. Jon Burnside, Ward 16 (Don Valley East), arguing that this decision will especially impact newcomer and racialized communities, which form a significant part of the riding, without their input. According to the 2021 census, about one-fifth of the riding is Muslim and about 18 per cent are not Canadian citizens.

Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie said there will be conversations with the province about what a federal riding change will mean for the number of city councillors, which was already cut in half by Premier Doug Ford in 2018.

The federal government did not kick in any money to cover the city’s $815-million COVID-related shortfall from 2022 and the books are being closed with only provincial contributions, McKelvie said.

Nevertheless, the city is still asking for 2023 COVID bailout money from Ottawa as well as funding for transit, shelters and refugees, along with a new fiscal framework for funding municipalities.

“We need as many MPs as possible on the Hill advocating for that,” McKelvie said.

Cheng and other councillors presented Coteau with a letter, signed by all councillors other than Coun. Stephen Holyday, supporting Coteau’s efforts to stop Toronto from losing a riding.

Holyday said he has “been consistent over the years in supporting a smaller city council, as has been the public.”