Each candidate’s public commitments have been reviewed against TEA’s top platform priorities in our 3 key areas: climate action, climate resilience, and reducing waste. TEA’s 2023 mayoral election priorities can be found in full here.

 

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITMENTS

Have they committed to dedicated climate plan funding, to back up their climate action promises at budget time?

  • Did not commit to funding TransformTO climate plan, stating that it has “flaws.”
  • Commitment to keep taxes at/below inflation will mean increased funding to fully implement TransformTO Net Zero Strategy is unlikely 
  • Does not rule out other revenue tools (“any new taxes must serve a specific purpose, solve a particular problem, and not be punitive”)
  • States that he will “combat climate change with reasonable and measured policies that take us towards our goals”

Have they committed to green building programs that also create affordable housing?

  • No mention

Have they committed to a transition away from fossil gas?

  • No mention

What commitments have they made to improving TTC service?

  • Make TTC free for Seniors on Mondays between 10am - 3pm
  • Expand Line 4 Sheppard line from North York into Scarborough
  • Wants to remove King Street priority streetcar lanes during Queen Street closure

How will they improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure?

  • Wants to immediately suspend all bike lane expansions
  • Wants to remove bike lanes from busiest streets, including University, Yonge, Bloor West
  • May remove bike lanes on Richmond and Adelaide
CLIMATE RESILIENCE COMMITMENTS

Have they proposed plans to keep Torontonians safe through floods, heatwaves, and other climate change impacts?

  • No mention

How will they improve and maintain Toronto’s green spaces?

  • States that “as mayor, I will work to preserve and enhance Toronto’s natural spaces.”
  • No plan provided with specifics on this

Will they make polluters pay for stormwater reduction and flood-proofing projects?

  • No mention
WASTE AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY COMMITMENTS

How will they support waste reduction and eliminating unnecessary single-use items?

  • Making Toronto streets and parks cleaner appears to be a priority area for service improvements
  • However no increases in funding is attached to this platform area, and no plan is provided to reduce litter and disposable items at their source
OTHER
  • Supports provincial plans to redevelop Ontario Place
  • Will continue with all planned Gardiner Expressway work, including elevated portion

 

Sources:

Candidate website: https://marksaundersfortoronto.ca/ 

Toronto Star Survey