Platform

Natural Scarborough waterfront free from industrial wind turbines, home to restored beaches and paths for residents to enjoy.

“I am the only candidate opposing Toronto Hydro’s offshore wind plan. When I am elected I will stop Toronto Hydro from exploring any offshore wind opportunities in our lake. We need to preserve, not destroy our cherished natural environments. The negative impacts on human health, environment and property values are well documented and unacceptable. Preservation of our lake also highlights challenges we’re facing on the shoreline as well. The community has lost weekday access to our shoreline as a result of Toronto Region Conservation Authority that is seeing demolished building materials replacing nature below our bluffs. Walling off the water is detrimental to wildlife and residents and as your next City Councillor, I will work to have natural beaches restored between Galloway and the Doris McCarthy Trail and a better plan to ensure the community can still visit this important place in our community during the week.”

Subway expansion into Scarborough and a system that doesn’t treat Scarborough residents like second-class citizens in our city.

“Subway expansion in Scarborough stopped in 1980. Scarborough’s population has gone up 35% since then. We’re spending money to expand the subway to Vaughan and Richmond Hill, even though they aren’t part of Toronto. Their populations are smaller than Scarborough and less densely populated. If you can make the case for either Vaughan or Richmond Hill, you can make the case for Scarborough and it’s about time! With the death of Transit City, and a decaying Scarborough Rapid Transit system over capacity and approaching the end of it’s life, now is the time for Scarborough residents to demand better subway service. I support the calls for the SRT to be replaced with full subway service from Kennedy Station through the current McCowan station at Ellesmere. I support the subway continuing east along Ellesmere, bringing new development opportunities between McCowan and Markham, and connecting two Centennial College campuses, Centenary Hospital and UTSC to the subway.”

Respect for your hard earned money. Opposition to unrestrained tax increases and irresponsible spending at City Hall.

“Massive spending increases and waste is out of control at City Hall. Our current Councillor is the Vice Chair of David Miller’s budget committee and has been along for the ride. He’s voted for $1.6 billion dollars in annual spending increases during four short years that have seen Toronto face the worst economic times in memory. What’s worse is that there is little to show for it. As your Councillor, I will respect your tax dollars and work with my colleagues toward a sustainable budget that is based on priorities, and cost effectiveness. No more blank cheques or automatic spending and tax increases. I will also vote to cancel the vehicle registration tax, an unfair tax in light of the weak transit system that serves Scarborough.”

Action to tackle child poverty in our community. Currently 44% of kids in our ward live in poverty, which is the highest rate of child poverty in Scarborough.

“Perhaps the largest long term problem facing our community is child poverty. We can’t afford to write off 44% of a generation and need to work to find solutions to some of the root causes of poverty. Parents need the opportunity to access job markets, transition back into the work force and improve the lives of their family. As your next Councillor, I will work to ensure children and their parents have the opportunities and supports they need to improve their lives and join in the success our City has to offer.”