Toronto Board of Trade launches municipal issues campaign entitled Vote
Toronto 2010

Frame debate, advance solutions, engage voters

TORONTO , Nov. 10 /CNW/ - The Toronto Board of Trade today launched Vote Toronto 2010, a campaign intended to spark debate in advance of the 2010 municipal election. The campaign aims to lead discussion on the key issues facing the City, develop and advance concrete solutions, and engage all Torontonians in the municipal electoral process.

"Our campaign is based on the premise that voters take elections seriously when candidates take the issues seriously," says Carol Wilding , President and CEO of the Toronto Board of Trade. "Torontonians are one year away from electing a new mayor, and there's lots of interest in the people who will be running. But now is the time to start talking about the issues as well as the personalities."

To launch Vote Toronto 2010, the Board of Trade today released a discussion paper entitled Framework for a Better City, based on extensive research and consultation with members and stakeholders. It also hosted a panel discussion on Framework for a Better City featuring:

    
    -   Former Toronto Mayor David Crombie,
    -   United Way Toronto President and CEO Frances Lankin,
    -   RBC Royal Bank Regional Vice President Tim Rider, and
    -   Downsview Park Chair and former City Budget Chief David Soknacki.
    

Framework for a Better City introduces four key themes for the Board's campaign:

    
    1.  Fixing the City's finances
    2.  Growing the City and regional economy
    3.  Improving civic democracy
    4.  Promoting social cohesion and economic inclusion
    

In the months to come, the Board will dive deeply into the four identified themes, and develop a platform of specific policy proposals with each theme. Finally, Vote Toronto 2010 will join voices with other organizations in promoting civic participation and inspiring the broadest possible participation in the democratic process.

"This election is not just about choosing new leaders," says Board of Trade Chair Bill MacKinnon. "It is an opportunity for voters to choose a new vision for Toronto and a means for our government, economy and society to evolve in the decades to come."

"The Board of Trade has a rich 164 year history in civic affairs," says Ms. Wilding . "Today, we are launching a sustained campaign that is meant to steer our discussions over the coming months and will serve as the basis of the Board's specific policy recommendations for the next election."

About the Toronto Board of Trade (www.bot.com)

Founded in 1845, the Toronto Board of Trade is Canada's largest local chamber of commerce, connecting more than 200,000 business professionals and influencers throughout the Toronto region. The Board of Trade fuels the economic, social and cultural vitality of the entire Toronto region by fostering powerful collaborations among business, government, thought leaders and community builders. The Board of Trade plays a vital role in elevating the quality of life and global competitiveness of Canada's largest urban centre.

For further information: Dorenda McNeil, Counsel Public Relations, Tel: [phone] x 216, Email: [email protected]