Joe Cadeau

The Mayor and City Council

The most important thing is Toronto's complex budget - this impacts affordability, safety & security, and city services. My years as as a Vice President for a international company taught me how to maintain ongoing budgeting priorities, oversee multifaceted projects on time/on target, and navigate competing objectives. My training in mediation & conflict resolution allows me to work easily with people who hold different ideas and views, and develop solutions that work for all parties - keeping Toronto safe, affordable, accessible and clean.

Housing

I intend to focus on multi-unit co-op housing that includes market-rate and rent-geared-to-income units to address our housing needs on a priority basis. Current co-op models prove that members have a high level of participation in running and managing the complex, take pride and ownership in their homes, and generate a self-maintaining reserve fund that ensures long-term financial sustainability and a revenue stream for repairs. Co-op housing provides a safe, sustainable, dignified and immediate solution to our most pressing housing needs.

Cost of Living

I would propose a 36 month wage freeze for any non-unionized non-contracted City worker and City corporation employee earning more than twice the average income of the riding. The savings would go towards funding programs such as free TTC transit for students (regardless of age) and offset/expand access to City of Toronto recreation programs and activities. I would also focus on developing co-op housing to provide immediate lower costs of living options for residents.

Safety in Public Spaces

Public spaces should be welcoming & safe for everyone. I would expand community policing services alongside groups like the Toronto Community Crisis Service for outreach and ensure individuals in crisis are provided the assistance they require. I would support our current safe consumption sites with additional wraparound services to promote safety and cleanliness of the surrounding areas as well as ensuring the safety and respect of residents who require such services, and focus policing efforts on the dealers, not users.

Getting Around the City

I would ensure coordination for access to major arteries (DVP/Gardiner) and minimize the impact of development construction in live lanes. I would expand bike lanes/bike share program, and improve bike lane safety by restricting which type of vehicle is allowed in the bike lane. I would seek improved service and reliability from the TTC and advocate for priority transit signalling, as well as ensuring the sidewalks are maintained for pedestrian traffic. I would focus on transit accessibility for seniors and people facing mobility challenges.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

Toronto welcomes a multitude of ideas, cultures, and beliefs - and everyone has the right to express their views. Everyone deserves to have the same expectation of safety regardless of background, orientation, or perspective. We should not tolerate intimidation or threatening behaviour towards anyone. We have rules and laws that allow people a measure of flexibility when it comes to voicing dissent or protest - I would prioritize enforcement when people cross lines, such as protesting in front of a school or place of worship.