Letter from Mississauga’s Mayor on the Provincial Election

Dear Residents of Mississauga and Ontario, 

We are living through a time of unprecedented change in our country and around the world. Rising costs that are making it  harder for families to get by and people are struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, groceries, and transportation,  forcing difficult decisions every day. With so many feeling uncertain about the road ahead, tomorrow is a crucial opportunity to  ensure your voices are heard where it matters most, at the ballot box. 

In the 2022 Ontario election, voter turnout was the lowest in our province’s history. Only 44% of eligible voters cast their  ballots, meaning more than half of Ontarians stayed silent on decisions that profoundly impact their daily lives. 

This week, the advance polling period from February 20th to the 22nd saw a turnout of just 6% across our province. Although  there were fewer days to cast an advance ballot this election, this is still an alarmingly low number. It highlights the urgent need  for all of us to take action. Declining voter participation isn’t just a statistic, it’s a challenge that burdens the healthy state of our  democracy. It’s a call to remind ourselves why voting matters. 

Mississauga is a thriving, diverse city built on the hard work and vision of its residents. However, despite our significant  contributions to Ontario’s economy, our city has faced challenges in securing adequate funding for critical areas such as  healthcare, transit, and affordable housing. As a municipality, it is our job to work alongside whichever government or party is  in power and fight for the needs of our residents. Regardless of tomorrow’s outcome, we are committed to continuing our efforts  to advocate for Mississauga. Through ongoing, constructive advocacy, we have developed an effective relationship with the  current provincial government, working alongside Premier Ford to ensure Mississauga’s priorities are addressed. Our work will continue as we collaborate with all levels of government to meet the needs of our community. 

Your vote is a tool and privilege to ensure our city’s voice is heard. As citizens, we cannot take it for granted. It’s how we  communicate our needs to the decision-makers who shape policies that affect our schools, hospitals, and public services. We are  at a time where young people, families and seniors are struggling immensely in our province and our country, and we must do  our part as citizens to advocate for our needs. By voting, you help ensure communities like Mississauga continue to prosper. Not  just as a hub of innovation and growth, but as a city where every resident has the opportunity to succeed.  

I understand that for many, disillusionment with politics or a lack of faith in politicians can lead to apathy, making it easy to feel  like your vote doesn’t matter. These feelings are valid, especially when it seems like meaningful progress is slow to come. But  giving in to apathy allows others to decide the future for us. Voting is how we reclaim our voice and remind decision-makers  that our concerns, our city, and our lives matter.  

As engaged citizens, it’s important for us to take the time to learn about the parties, their platforms, and their priorities. To help  with this, our city launched the Mississauga Matters campaign weeks ago, making it easier for residents to understand what  we’re advocating for from the provincial government and how these issues could inform your vote. Without taking the time to  stay informed, we risk falling victim to a lack of or misinformation, which could impact how and if we cast our votes. 

I know responsibilities of everyday life can make it difficult to make time, and it’s easy to feel like one vote won’t make a  difference. But history has shown us that every vote matters. It’s the collective strength of many small actions that can lead to  your voice as citizens in being heard and actioned upon. Tomorrow, I urge you to make your voice count – for Mississauga, for  Ontario, and for the future we all want to build together. 

We can never afford to be silent. The decisions made tomorrow will continue to shape our city and province for years to come.  Let’s ensure Mississauga’s voice is strong and united. 

Sincerely,  

Carolyn Parrish, Mayor of Mississauga