Seven newly-elected Toronto city councillors are calling for further investment in social services that address the root causes of crime following the approval of Mayor John Tory’s proposed $48.3 million increase to the Toronto police budget.
In a joint statement released Monday afternoon, the seven councillors voiced their support for the expansion of services such as community-led crisis response programs, but stopped short of opposing the police budget increase, which was unanimously passed on the same day by the Toronto Police Services Board.
That budget increase is expected to pay for the hiring of an additional 200 police officers.
“Everyone in our city deserves to feel safe. A collaborative partnership between the City of Toronto, the Toronto Police Services, and residents is an important part of this,” the statement read.
“However, for too long, governments have prioritized enforcement over addressing the root causes of crime and violence: poverty, discrimination, lack of opportunities, underinvestment, and inequality.”
The seven councillors who signed the statement are Amber Morley, Ward 3 Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Alejandra Bravo, Ward 9 Davenport, Ausma Malik, Ward 10 Spadina-Fork York, Dianne Saxe, Ward 11 University-Rosedale, Chris Moise, Ward 13 Toronto Centre, Lily Cheng, Ward 18 Willowdale and Jamaal Myers, Ward 23 Scarborough North.
Cheng is a member of the Toronto Police Services Board and voted in favour of the budget increase on Monday.
Although the seven councillors didn’t concretely voice opposition to the budget increase, they did say that “decades of research and evidence has shown that increasing police spending without simultaneous investments in social and community infrastructure does not make our communities safer.”
“For more than 40 years, solutions and recommendations have been presented, offering tangible actions and social investments necessary to truly create a safe city,” the statement read.
“These solutions have been proven in other jurisdictions, and many additional programs have shown promise right here in Toronto.”
One of those solutions, says Malik, is the Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS), which provides an “alternate approach to responding to someone in crisis that focuses on health, prevention and well-being,” eliminating the need for traditional police enforcement.
Malik says the program, which is in its pilot stage in four areas of the city, has been successful so far and should be expanded.
“One of the big initiatives that we have invested in in Toronto is the TCCS, and it has been successful in its pilot areas in taking a community-based approach to responding to mental health crises without involving police,” Malik told CP24.com
“And one of the big commitments that I’m looking forward to and that I’ve been advocating for is to be able to expand a program like that to every neighbourhood in Toronto to be able to create a safer city.”
Malik said without parallel investments to these types of services, the increased police budget as it stands is “not necessarily what’s going to make people safer.”
Morley told CP24 on Monday that “Torontonians understand that there are direct connections between the resources we have access to and our ability to be well, and so we want to ensure that as many Torontonians as possible have accesses to the resources and support that they require.”
Morley also stressed the need to invest in a multifaceted approach to improving community safety.
“We on council, in addition to supporting our police services, understand that we can’t police our way to committee safety,” Morley said.
“We’ve talked in the past and the mayor has highlighted a need for a three-legged-stool so to speak, which is a multifaceted approach, including ensuring that our critical social services and things like housing options for example, out of the cold programs, warming centers, that they are a critical part of how we’re responding to need and responding to community safety and community health.”
Along with the additional 200 officers added to the force, Tory’s police budget increase will include an additional $2 million for youth and families, allocated to anti-violence programming to address the roots of violence and build on existing programming to support youth supports including employment.
Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw said the nearly $50 million increase was also necessary to improve response times.
A June 2022 report by the city’s auditor general, Beverly Romeo-Beehler, found that response times to all calls were increasing and service levels were not keeping up with demand.
Malik says that investing in alternative social programs will help to improve police response times, as it frees up officers to respond to incidents of crime and violence rather than mental health and crisis calls that can be dealt with by trained support workers.
“If we’re able to fund and see that evidence and make those investments, there’s so much more that we can do in terms of being able to address the concerns that are being raised in our communities, and to make sure that police are doing the work that only they can do,” she said.
The statement signed by the seven councillors goes on to say that investment in things like “affordable housing, mental health services and good jobs” will also help to create safer communities within the city, and that these types of investments need to be made as soon as possible.
“Now is the time for real investments that make our city more affordable, accessible, and safer for everyone,” the statement read.
“Toronto can’t wait any longer.”
-With files from CTV News Toronto’s Phil Tsekouras
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
