October 19, 2022
Working for Justice Since 1871 
Torontonians are united in their support for progressive change.
Today, Labour Council is releasing the results of a poll we commissioned to learn more about Torontonians’ support for progressive policies, city-wide. The poll was designed in consultation with Earnscliffe Strategies and with fieldwork conducted by Léger, with analysis by Labour Council and the Broadbent Institute.
Here are the top-line results:
72% agree that Toronto should invest now in public and community services, even if it means a small increase in property taxes for homes over $2.5 million 72% say Toronto should purchase housing stock to create affordable community and supportive homes
75% support increasing protections for renters to reduce evictions and improve building maintenance
85% support Community Benefits Agreements to ensure good local jobs as part of public infrastructure contracts
80% want developer money out of municipal elections
83% support improving the frequency and reliability of TTC services
77% support changing planning priorities to increase housing density and require developers to include a greater proportion of affordable units in all new developments 81% support redirecting responsibility for non-violent mental health and overdose response from police to other city services
Download* our issue-specific social media graphics or share from our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts
Comrades, the results of this survey represent a huge win for our collective efforts to advocate on behalf of workers. We have successfully created a sea change in public opinion when it comes to local solutions to problems impacting everyday people.
Our experiences have differed during the pandemic, and yet we have all come out the other side with a new appreciation for the impact Toronto’s services have on our day-to-day lives. Residents have had to use their city’s resources differently, and now they are noticing the impact of a dozen years of cutbacks.
What does this mean for the election?
With the municipal election in just seven days, this poll makes it easier than ever to get out and support your local council candidate—especially if they have been endorsed by labour.
If you’re in a ward or a municipality where we haven’t released an endorsement, use these issues to ask your local candidates where they stand. Are they committed to investing in building a better, more liveable city? Are they interested in community values, or are their decisions guided by other interests?
The results showed that Torontonians of all income levels want a more liveable city now—even if it means a small increase in property taxes on the wealthiest homes. We are seeing social unity when 73% in the highest income bracket agree to pay more in order to invest in the community.
Our city has become increasingly unaffordable over the past few decades. That’s why your Labour Council has been fighting for needed changes: so we can continue to live, work, and play right here at home.
We believe that workers can and should see local elections as an opportunity to engage in political bargaining; it’s another way that we can collectively shape a better, more inclusive Toronto.
On October 24, cast your ballot for candidates who share our vision.And, if you can, get out there and help us get them elected by knocking doors, dropping flyers, and making calls.
Read our full release here. Endorsed candidates information can be found here. Get out and vote!
The poll was commissioned by the Toronto & York Region Labour Council with support from the Broadbent Institute.
Toronto & York Region Labour Council
15 Gervais Dr., Ste. 407, Don Mills, ON M3C 1Y8
416.441.3663 Fax: 416.445.8405 www.labourcouncil.ca
© Copyright 2019 – All Rights Reserved | Made with NationBuilder | Built by Tectonica
