As City of Toronto releases its budget for the upcoming year, we urge you to join us in calling on the city to prioritize the needs of workers and marginalized populations, invest in affordable housing, public transit, job training programs and other public services.

The 2023 budget includes nearly $50 million for more police and additional funding for TTC security while cutting TTC service and increasing fares. That’s just the beginning of budget gaps and holes. What shocking disregard for the real needs of Torontonians. As working people we want better and bolder ideas for workers and our communities. 

This year, because of new super Mayor powers, John Tory will present his own budget after the public has seen and commented on the staff-presented budget. By making a submission, individuals and organizations have the opportunity to advocate for their priorities and ensure that their voices are heard.

According to the strong mayor powers, Council has 30 days from the date the Mayor presents his budget to meet and amend the budget. But Council’s Striking Committee (which recommends the meeting schedule for Council) adopted a motion at its November 24 meeting to waive the 30-day requirement to align with Council’s scheduled February 14 meeting.

This year, for the first time since the 2020 budget process and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Budget Committee will hear from Toronto residents and businesses in person as well as by video conference. Meetings will be held:

• Tuesday, January 17, Toronto City Hall, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. onwards
• Tuesday, January 17, North York Civic Centre, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. onwards
• Wednesday, January 18, Scarborough Civic Centre, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. onwards
• Wednesday, January 18, Etobicoke Civic Centre, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. onwards.

Speakers are asked to register by email: [email protected] or call: 416-392-4666 by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, January 16. Individuals may only make one presentation. Registered public speakers will be provided with instructions on how to appear at the Committee meeting. The meeting will be streamed live on the Toronto City Council YouTube channel .

The 2023 Budget process timelines are as follows:

• Budget Committee Launch: Tuesday, January 10
• Budget Committee Review: Thursday, January 12 and Friday, January 13
• Budget Committee Public Presentations: Tuesday, January 17 and Wednesday, January 18
• Budget Committee Wrap Up: Tuesday, January 24
• Mayor’s Proposed Budget Release: by Wednesday, February 1
• City Council (Special): Tuesday, February 14

Other Information, Events and Actions:  

• Take a look at these budget resources by Social Planning Toronto https://www.socialplanningtoronto.org/citybudgetwatch_resources
• Read the budget summary and highlights https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-230875.pdf
• Beginning Jan 12 – Attend a training session about the budget and how to participate, organized by Progress Toronto and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations https://www.progresstoronto.ca/winter-training-series-2023 
• Take part in TTC Riders’ budget action https://www.ttcriders.ca/budget2023   

Stay posted for more targeted opportunities to have your say!