The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A2
January 23, 2024
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau:
I am writing to you on behalf of Official Opposition NDP MPPs from Toronto. We are urging the federal government to provide funding to the City of Toronto in line with its recent request, enabling matching commitments by the Province of Ontario that are conditional on federal funding.
Toronto has a unique and major role as a regionally, provincially, and nationally significant centre for economic growth. It is a primary destination for young people, new immigrants, and refugees. However, as you are aware, Toronto is facing budgetary pressures which hamper the city’s ability to adequately respond to the needs of residents.
The City of Toronto recently reached an agreement with the Government of Ontario with a multi- billion-dollar commitment that will advance key shared priorities of the province and the city. This will result in an improvement in the long-term financial stability and sustainability of Toronto. As Ontario's Official Opposition, NDP MPPs will continue to hold the provincial government to these commitments.
As part of the agreement, operational funding of shelters for refugees and capital funding for new subway cars from the province are conditional on matching federal funding.
In particular, the federal funding of $250M is needed urgently for refugee shelters. Canada has rightly provided safety for many escaping war and persecution, but we cannot leave refugees on the streets, without shelter. The federal government also has a responsibility in these key areas and Toronto residents are counting on your government to deliver.
Sincerely,
Bhutila Karpoche
Official Opposition GTA Critic
MPP, Parkdale—High Park