Akina Lalla

The Mayor and City Council

There are many issues that residents face on a daily basis involving housing, food security, transportation delays, traffic congestion, garbage collection, parks and public safety. I will propose motions, participate in budgets and committee decisions, raise local issues, and help residents navigate City services to achieve visible short and long term improvements. As a mom of four school aged children with multi-faceted skills and high a level of dedication to family and community work I will be equipped to fight tirelessly as a City Councilor

Housing

My priority would be to restructure the Current Affordable Housing Models such as mixed income, subsidized, co-op and rent-geared to income housing. I will advocate for the rent-geared to income model so that people who have a place to live can maintain their housing. Advocate for an increase in joint venture development projects between the City and developers to build homes for rent-to-own candidates so that residents can build their credit while preparing for homeownership.

Cost of Living

Housing and food costs are the most major cost of living concerns. I would advocate for different models of affordable housing, support renters, and community food programs. I would advocate for regular food grants that allow residents to get access to affordable goods from grocery store in their community. I would also review existing City programs to identify savings and remove barriers that prevent residents from accessing assistance. I would promote community gardens and support local farmers.

Safety in Public Spaces

Public safety is a top concern for me, encampments are spreading throughout the city which has contributed to residents feeling unsafe. I would focus on making public spaces safer, cleaner, better lit and more welcoming. Many of our parks are not properly maintained and there is a growing wildlife population that needs to be addressed. I would advocate for improved streetlighting, consistent maintenance, visible safety services and timely responses to safety concerns.

Getting Around the City

I would prioritize urban planning strategies that focus on minimizing traffic congestion to improve traffic flow for all road users. Public transit needs to more efficient and effective with fewer wait times and delays. I will publicize the Scarborough-Time-Tax issue; Scarborough residents complain that our time is not valued as the rest of the city. I will advocate that our time matters too and properly advocate for Scarborough. We need streamline and underground transit expansion plans and development like other areas in Toronto.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

I believe that the Federal government needs to address immigration patterns and trends that are sustainable to the Canadian economy. I believe with a greater sense of nationalism and patriotism, Canadians will be able to unite and find a common ground so that we can help build a strong nationhood. We need to uphold a sense of integrity and dignity in our nationhood and extend that same grace to newcomers. As a councilor, I will work to bring people together and highlight the unique and beautiful characteristics of every culture.