Presentations by Mayor David Miller on the  “one cent now” campaign.

Mayor David Miller made his presentation to the council followed by a roundtable discussion.

Dr.Lamba, Iraj Emad , Trifon Haitias and other members participated in the discussion.

The following is the highlight of the presentation and discussions

·        Canada’s cities deliver the services that our residents rely upon more than those of any other government.   However, the revenues of cities do not match their responsibilities and there remains a significant gap between the infrastructure that is required to maintain growth and the money available to make it happen.

·        The One Cent NOW! campaign requests the federal government to share one cent of the existing GST with cities to ensure that infrastructure and important services are maintained and that future infrastructure is built in an environmentally friendly manner. Cities are the engines of the Canadian economy and contribute billions to the federal government each year. As the federal government has indicated that there is room to cut the GST, we believe there is room to share one cent to support the critical needs of Canada’s largest cities.

·        The One Cent NOW! campaign is a critical part of the three things cities need the most:

   1. A national transit strategy to ensure transit is provided to support our growing economy and protect our environment.

   2. Ontario to take back the funding of their programs – specifically the cost of social services and housing that were once paid for by the province of Ontario and cannot be funded by property taxes.

   3. A share of revenues that grow with the economy.

·        One cent of the GST will mean approximately $410 million for Toronto infrastructure – roads, bridges, expressways and the other structural and program supports required to maintain Canada’s largest city.

Mayor David Miller thanked NEPMCC for inviting him to make this important presentation. He mentioned that the ethnic media always plays a vital role in conveying such important information to it’s readership.

Thomas Saras praised David Miller and his Director of Communications, Don Wannagas for their role in placing NEPMCC in the same front as the mainstream media.