October 5, 2018
In each of the last two municipal elections, the Toronto Environmental Alliance has held successful and well-attended Mayoral debates. Unfortunately, TEA will not be holding a mayoral debate this election as John Tory’s campaign declined the invitation.
Despite the chaos created by Ford's sudden move to cut Toronto City Council in half, Torontonians will go to the polls on October 22, and they deserve to know where candidates stand on key issues, including the environment.
That’s why TEA launched its Greener City Election Pledge.
And that’s why, with the support of several other locally-focused environmental groups, TEA has been working to organize a 2018 Mayoral debate.
Despite the short timelines, TEA secured the commitment of the other frontrunner, Jennifer Keesmaat. TEA also committed to having at least two other top mayoral candidates on stage to represent a broader diversity of views on the issues. TEA offered John Tory a wide range of potential debate dates with venue availability, and when those dates didn't work, TEA encouraged them to provide any available dates and times that worked for Mr. Tory.
“Yesterday, we were very disappointed to hear from the Tory campaign that he would not participate in our debate due to limitations in his schedule,” said Heather Marshall, Campaigns Director of TEA.
“Despite our disappointment, TEA will continue to find ways to ensure that Torontonians have the information they need on the issues, so that we can elect environmental champions to City Council,” said Marshall.
To view TEA’s election pledge, or for more information about TEA’s work to tackle climate change and reduce waste & pollution, visit torontoenvironment.org.
Contact:
Heather Marshall, Campaigns Director
416-596-0660