Toronto Civics 101   –   Sessions   1   –   2   –   3   –   4   –   5   –   6

November 12, 2009
If you intend to vote in the next municipal election, or are interested in supporting a candidate or running for council or school board yourself, this session will be important to you. It outlined the electoral process and the many ways you can get involved.

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• Session 5 agenda (PDF)
• Welcome & Introduction - John Schaffter (video 6 minutes)
• John sets the context for the session, including historical events that happened at St. Lawrence Hall
• How to Get Involved in the 2010 Municipal Election - Bonita Pietrangelo, Director, Election Services (video 31 minutes)
• The City's Elections Office, how elections work, how to run, the regulations, processes, and how to get involved.
• Questions and Answers for Bonita Pietrangelo (video 16 minutes)
• Report from group discussions: why people vote and how to increase voter turnout (PDF)
• Women in Municipal Politics - Councillor Pam McConnell
  (video 40 minutes)
• Councillor McConnell discusses the work of a City Councillor, work in her community, the role of the Councillor, and initiatives to involve more women in municipal politics
• Jessica Hewlett (video 8 minutes)
• Jessica discusses the Protégé program run through Federation of Canadian Municipalities to involve young women in municipal politics, and her experiences at the City of Toronto
• Questions and Answers for Councillor McConnell and Jessica Hewlett (video 10 minutes)
• "What influences your decision to vote?" and "What is the one thing that you think would increase voter turnout in Toronto?" themed responses (PDF)
• At the 5th session, participants were asked: "What influences your decision to vote?" and "What is the one thing that you think would increase voter turnout in Toronto?" Following the session staff sorted the suggestions and comments into general themes in no particular order.

Resources

• Elections at the City of Toronto, City of Toronto, 2008
  A short guide to the election process for the City of Toronto, covering issues related to who can vote, how to vote, and who can run as a candidate.



• City of Toronto Elections
  The official website for Toronto Elections and Registry Services. This site contains results from the past elections, information for municipal candidates and school trustees, rules for campaign contributors, and links to relevant legislation and by-laws.



• Map of Voter Turnout By Ward, City of Toronto, 2006 (PDF)
  Compiled from 2006 municipal election results.



• Municipal Elections 2006 Guide, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2006
  This publication is a guide to the electoral process for Ontario's municipal councils and school boards. It describes the opportunities and responsibilities of voters and candidates.



• Municipal Elections Act, 1996
  Ontario legislation governing the election process for municipal government representatives.



• Count Us In, Removing Barriers to Political Participation: Quick Reference Guide to Accessible All Candidates Meetings, Ministry of Community and Social Services, July 2007
  A guide to assist meeting planners to ensure that voters with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in All Candidates meetings in a setting that supports their ability to communicate directly with candidates.



• Municipal Councillor's Guide, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2007
  This guide covers topics that are important to know as a municipal councillor throughout their term of office. It examines the role of council and the councillor, governance and law-making in the municipal setting, the fiscal context and land-use planning.



• Regional Champions Campaign, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
  The Regional Champions Campaign is a grassroots initiative to build networks throughout Canada to encourage, support and mentor women who are considering running for election to municipal government. FCM?s goal is to reach 30 per cent participation by women on municipal councils by 2026. Currently in Canada, women make up 23 per cent of municipal councils. This link includes specific information on the initiative in Toronto.

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