Remarks by Councillor David Miller, City of Toronto
Launch of Canada's Cities campaign, Toronto
October 21, 2001

On behalf of Mayor Mel Lastman and the City of Toronto, I want to welcome the mayors who join me here today, and I want to thank all of you for joining us on an important day in the evolution of Canada's cities.

Cities are critical to Canada. That's where most Canadians live, work and play. Cities are the economic engines of this nation.

And as the mayors here know all too well, Canada's cities face huge challenges today - like poverty, housing, air quality, traffic congestion, and crime.

The problem is that Canada's cities lack the tools and the authority to deal properly with these critical issues. We face 21st century challenges, but we're still governed by a 19th century model that makes us almost completely dependent on the provinces.

The British North America Act was great in 1867, when there were fewer people in all of Canada than in the Greater Toronto Area today. In 2001, it's time for a new model that reflects the size, complexity and responsibilities of modern cities.

To put it simply: for Canada's cities to compete, the federal and provincial governments must give us the tools to manage ourselves.

And that's why we're here.

Today, the mayors of some of Canada's largest cities join with the City of Toronto in launching a national campaign to promote the urgent need for the federal, provincial and municipal governments to work together to give Canada's cities the tools and resources they need to compete on the world stage.

We're calling this campaign "Canada's Cities: Unleash our Potential".

These are positive words because this is a positive campaign. Sure, we're going to be blunt and honest in pointing out the costs of further delay and inaction. But we're also going to focus on the tremendous benefits of taking action today - so that Canada's cities can meet their economic, social and environmental challenges tomorrow.

Do I think the federal and provincial governments will listen? You bet I do.

Let me tell you why. This isn't about one government winning and another losing; it's about everyone winning - as we improve the quality of life in Canada's cities.

Canadians are tired of the endless bickering between the different orders of government - and I can't say I blame them.

It's time for everyone to stop pointing fingers - and instead to point the way to a new relationship between governments.

There may be different models that work in different places, but one solution that's attracting more and more attention is to create new, modern charters for Canada's largest cities - customized laws that give them powers that match their responsibilities and their needs.

An effective charter would attract business & create jobs. Many world cities have broad powers to attract business with tax incentives and credits - and to enter into partnerships that involve the private sector in major infrastructure projects. We need to give Canada's cities the same powers.

An effective charter would encourage governments to work together. It's time to give cities a seat at the table when Ottawa or the provinces are discussing matters that affect them, such as immigration, affordable housing and transit. It's only fair - and it would make the country work better.

An effective charter would reduce bureaucracy. By giving our major cities greater powers to act with respect to local matters, we won't have to ask the province to pass a law when we need to get something done. The result? We'd save time… and taxpayers' money.

Finally, an effective charter would clarify responsibility & promote accountability to our citizens. If it's strictly a local matter, the city should be responsible - not the province. That sounds logical… but believe it or not that's not the way it is today.

Imagine how much more efficient we could be in dealing with our economic and social challenges.

Imagine how much more effective we could be in improving our quality of life.

Imagine how our cities could become magnets for jobs, investment, knowledge and culture.

The reason we're optimistic this campaign will work is because it makes so much sense.

Each city participating in the campaign will promote its message at the local level, and in discussions with its provincial government.

At the federal level, the mayors will work closely with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to address the urgent need for cities to gain the tools and resources they need.

Citizens can get involved in this campaign, too, through our new Web site, www.canadascities.ca, where you can get more information, register your support, or send an email to your elected representatives.

I invite other cities - and all Canadians - to join us. By working together, we can bring about real change that benefits all Canadians.

Stronger cities mean a stronger Canada.

That's why it's time to unleash the potential of Canada's cities.