Toronto needs an intelligent, experienced mayor – and a woman

article content

By: Pamela Jeffery

article content

As the founder and chairman of a national non-profit organization, I really shouldn’t comment publicly on the Toronto mayoral election. But I have to make an exception and strongly support Mitzie Hunter in running the city.

article content

Full disclosure: Mitzie is a founding visionary of The Prosperity Project, a registered charity established to advance women in Canada’s economy to ensure Canadian women are not left behind in the recovery from the pandemic. She is one of 62 of these women leaders from across the country – women who have made a difference in the past and continue to advocate for positive change.

When I began the recruitment process for this initiative in spring 2020 – given the threatening economic and social impact of the pandemic on women – Mitzie was one of the first names I jotted down. As an MPP from Ontario and a former Cabinet Secretary with a background in civic engagement and business, she certainly had the qualifications.

article content

article content

I was delighted when she agreed to join the Prosperity Project and she has not disappointed since. Her intelligence, work ethic, problem-solving skills and positive spirit would serve the people of Toronto well if she were the city’s mayor.

I will say it very clearly: we need more women in decision-making positions.

We need elected representatives who reflect the diversity of our people.

We need great thinkers who can deftly deal with the complexities of the different levels of government and business.

Check with Mitzie on anything.

As a long-time MP and Cabinet Secretary, she has more insight than any other candidate into decision-making in Queen’s Park. Municipalities are a ‘creature of the province’ – as we have recently been reminded – and as such it is vital for the mayor to understand how government really works. (Check out Bonnie Crombie’s success as Mayor of Mississauga, who builds on her experience as a member of the federal government to get things done at the local level.)

article content

Mitzie’s experience as CEO of CivicAction adds to her community trust; She has both the knowledge and connections to address the challenges faced not only by Toronto itself, but by the greater Toronto and Hamilton area. Yes, I know the mayor of Toronto only has jurisdiction within the city limits, but position clearly has a much greater impact, so we need a mayor who can adeptly navigate across government lines.

Additionally, Mitzie’s work as Chief Administrative Officer at Toronto Community Housing provides her with valuable insight into one of the city’s biggest issues: housing affordability. She also served as Vice President of Goodwill Industries, bringing both business and charity expertise to her.

And she is a woman! This gives her a critical view of public safety, arguably the biggest issue of this election. The mayor can have a tremendous impact on how the city is designed in terms of safety and mobility.

Frankly, women’s voices need to be heard on a wide variety of issues and decisions. Having Mitzie Hunter in the mayor’s office would be a good start.

Pamela Jeffery is the founder of The Prosperity Project