Intergovernmental Affairs Overview

The Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) team works to advance the City of Toronto’s interests internationally, nationally, provincially and regionally.

Provincial and federal decisions, policies and programs often have a profound effect on the City of Toronto. The IGR team works closely with the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada to foster relationships of mutual respect and to promote ongoing consultation and cooperation needed to develop good public policy and ensure that provincial and federal initiatives benefit Toronto’s residents and businesses.

IGR also supports the City’s participation in regional, provincial, national and international municipal organizations to advance common issues. Here are some of IGR’s activities:

Inform

• Monitor and review federal and provincial policies, legislation and programs
• Advise the Mayor, Members of Council, City divisions and agencies on current developments in the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada that affect the City of Toronto
• Advance the Corporate Intergovernmental Relations Protocol by communicating and fostering an understanding of intergovernmental issues and processes across the City

Advise

• Draft or coordinate submissions to other governments on issues that affect Toronto
• Participate on committees, working groups, and other bodies to address intergovernmental priorities, such as immigration, employment, housing, public safety and infrastructure
• Work with Toronto’s elected officials to participate in nongovernmental organizations like the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Big City Mayors’ Caucus and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

Coordinate

• Work with the Province of Ontario through the Toronto-Ontario Cooperation and Consultation Agreement to ensure that both governments are working together to better achieve mutual objectives and more informed decision-making by exchanging input on broad policy matters of mutual interest and identifying the impacts of proposed changes in legislation, regulations, resolutions and by-laws
• Negotiate and advance key funding agreements between the City of Toronto, provincial and federal governments, including Canada’s Gas Tax Fund, the provincial gas tax, the Union Station Revitalization Intergovernmental Governance Committee, the Streetcar Replacement Program, the Building Canada Fund, and Ontario’s Building Together plan
• Contribute to Council and committee reports on proposals that have an intergovernmental focus