The City of Toronto’s first Climate Advisory Group (CAG) is now in place to advise on implementing the City’s TransformTO Net Zero Climate Action Strategy. The 26 CAG members, selected from nearly 300 applications received by the City, represent diverse communities, ages and backgrounds and include individuals from buildings, energy, transportation, waste, resilience and community engagement sectors.
The CAG will meet quarterly for three years and act as advisors and champions for climate action and the policies, programs and initiatives being developed by the City for implementation as part of its TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. The Strategy includes a target to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040. Toronto’s target is one of the most ambitious in North America.
The CAG is part of the City’s Accountability and Management Framework, which was developed to guide the implementation of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. The Framework, endorsed by Council in May 2022, recognizes that achieving Toronto’s climate targets and goals will require meaningful engagement and collaborative action from all sectors of the community – public, private, non-profit and residents – at a scale and pace rarely seen before.
Earlier this year, the City invited applications for the CAG from community members with a passion for climate action, climate justice and resiliency, including representatives from organizations, community leaders, youth and residents from communities experiencing social, economic and other systemic barriers including Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and persons with disabilities.
More information about the CAG and its members is available on the City’s TransformTO webpage.
Quotes:
“As the City of Toronto works to fight climate change through its ambitious TransformTO Net Zero Climate Strategy, the Climate Advisory Group will be the crucial representatives of community voices. The Advisory Group will help ensure that we address the climate crisis in ways that build a healthier environment, a stronger economy, and a more equitable future. Thank you to the many community members who stepped up to help guide the implementation of this important Strategy.”
– Mayor John Tory
“The City of Toronto has one of the most ambitious net zero emissions targets in North America, and community engagement will be critical to our success. I thank these advisory group members for their willingness to share their ideas and perspectives as we work to create a low-carbon city that’s also more equitable and resilient.”
– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.