ADVOCACY IN ACTION
ADVOCACY
IN ACTION
Local & Regional 2024: ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT YEAR IN MISSISSAUGA’S 50-YEAR HISTORY The past twelve months saw spirited and sometimes rancorous debate regarding the future of local government in Peel. With the provincial government supporting – and subsequently withdrawing – its support for Mississauga becoming an independent city, the debate regarding local government will continue. How will local government leaders address all the issues raised by Mississauga in recent years? One of the issues is funding; specifically, funding the Region of Peel as a whole as well as how to fund specific services within the Region. Mississauga as an independent city is off the table, but resolving outstanding issues will continue to be debated. In this context, will commercial taxes increase in Mississauga and Peel? Will policymakers rise to the occasion of addressing possibly the defining issue of the moment: supply of housing? Additionally, Mississauga will be electing a new mayor in 2024. In the City’s 50-year history, it has only had four mayors – and, only once since the 1970s has a new mayor been elected (Bonnie Crombie in 2014). When election day comes, the residents of Mississauga will make a choice that will shape the city’s direction for many years to come.
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These circumstances, politically, could make for one of the most important years since the City of Mississauga’s creation in 1973. This is a time for Mississaugans to elevate their level of political engagement and have a voice in shaping the future of our city.
PROVINCIAL FALL ECONOMIC STATEMENT (FES) For the first time in the Ontario Government’s history, revenue and expenses are projected to exceed $200 billion. The deficit is forecasted to be $5.6 billion in 2023-24 and $5.3 billion in 202425. In 2025-26, the government is forecasting a $500 million surplus. Interest on the debt is anticipated to grow from $13.4 billion in 2023-24 to $15.2 billion in 2025-26. The largest item in the budget is health care spending, which will reach $81.2 billion, which amounts to 39% of the overall budget and 42% of program spending. With regard to local initiatives in Mississauga, the Ontario government will continue funding to support the Trillium Health Partners Broader Redevelopment Project to build a new, stateof-the-art hospital, the Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital and the expansion of the Queensway site. Additionally, Wellbrook Place (Trillium Health Partners) in Mississauga is expected to open to residents in fall 2023, adding a total of 632 beds to the long-term care sector.
CONNECT | 2024 ISSUE 1
