The City of Toronto is now accepting applications from local residents and organizations to become part of the City’s new Climate Advisory Group (CAG) that will guide implementation of the TransformTO Net Zero Climate Action Strategy.
CAG members will act as advisors and champions for climate action and the policies, programs and initiatives being developed for implementation as part of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. The Toronto City Council-approved Strategy has a target to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2040. The City’s target is one of the most ambitious in North America.
Community members with a passion for climate action, climate justice and resiliency are encouraged to apply, including representatives from organizations, community leaders, youth and residents from communities experiencing social, economic and other barriers (people of colour, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities).
Approximately 20 members will be selected, for a term of three years, through the City’s public appointments process. The CAG will meet about four times per year, primarily in person, with remote options available to enable members to respond to personal commitments and potential changes in community health guidelines. The first meeting will be held in fall 2022. Members can opt to join additional working groups, which will establish their own meeting schedules. The total time commitment would be 20 to 40 hours per year.
The CAG is one of three groups being created by the City, as a result of the Accountability and Management Framework that was developed to guide implementation of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. The Framework, endorsed by Council in May 2022, recognizes that achieving Toronto’s climate goals and targets will require meaningful engagement and collaborative action from all sectors of the community – public, private, non-profit and residents – at a scale and pace rarely seen before.
Applications to join the CAG will be accepted until July 20, 11:59 p.m.
More information about the CAG and the online application is available on the City’s TransformTO webpage.
Quotes:
“The City of Toronto is committed to implementing its TransformTO Net Zero Climate Action Strategy in ways that also improve our health, equity and economy. I encourage Toronto residents from all areas of the city who have an interest in helping us achieve our ambitious climate targets to apply for the Climate Advisory Group. This strategy is so important to the work we will be doing as a City government to meaningfully address climate change and we know the input directly from residents will help guide these plans.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Reducing community-wide emissions to net zero by 2040 will require a high degree of collaboration, engagement and input, to ensure that we create a low-carbon Toronto that’s also more equitable and resilient. The Climate Advisory Group will help us get there.”
– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee
“Residents and advocacy organizations came together to help the City develop the TransformTO Net Zero Climate Action Strategy, and through this Climate Advisory Group, they’ll help to shape its implementation. I am confident that this opportunity to share knowledge, perspectives and experiences will be invaluable to help Toronto reach our ambitious climate targets.”
– Councillor Mike Layton (University-Rosedale)
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.