華工網絡對增加物業稅和市長預算案的聲明
華工網絡支持多倫多市長鄒至蕙的2024年財政預算案。 儘管物業稅增加9.5%的建議頗為嚇人，但重要的是要反映我們希望建設的城市的價值觀，即同情、包容和致力於所有居民福祉的價值觀。 「我們為自己謀求的，我們也是為他人謀求的」，這句話在勞工運動的歷史中根深蒂固，表明了團結和集體福祉的重要性。 正如加拿大郵政工人工會在1981年為產假福利而罷工，最終成為國家標準一樣，我們面臨決擇關於我們對多倫多的展望。
我們面臨的問題——關於我們想要建設什麼樣的城市——與我們的社會價值觀有著根本的聯繫。 我們想要一個對居民需求視而不見的城市嗎？或者我們是否渴望創造一個空間，讓每個人，無論他們的情況如何，都能獲得他們茁壯成長所需的資源和服務？
這些問題的答案反映了塑造我們城市的價值觀，它們要求我們致力於建立一個重視包容性和社會責任的社區。 雖然面臨增加9.5%的物業稅可能會引起人們的擔憂，但關鍵的是要認識到更廣泛的背景。 前幾任市長試圖從省政府和聯邦政府獲得財政支援的努力都失敗。 然而，現任市長在短時間內成功地獲得了兩級政府的承諾。
9.5%的物業稅增加，平均每天80仙，成為對關鍵服務的有形投資，例如，道路和公共設施的維修，士嘉堡公車專用道，護理人員和消防服務、長期照護，以及多倫多的社區危機應對。 鑒於上級政府提供的財政支援，這一增長是朝著建設一個反映我們集體價值觀的多倫多邁出的關鍵一步。
值得注意的是，這種增稅以支持關鍵服務的負擔對所有居民來說並不相同，其對個人的影響相對較小。 然而，對最弱勢群體的影響；那些最需要它的人，是很重要的。 投資這筆適度的金額可以大大有助於維持和加強服務，使多倫多成為一個充滿活力和富有同情心的城市。
當我們努力做出這一決定時，讓我們記住集體行動的精神，並期望我們的城市恪守原則「我們為自己謀求的，我們也是為他人謀求的」。 支持這次增加物業稅，我們為多倫多的建設做出了貢獻，讓多倫多體現我們共同的價值觀，即同情、包容和對所有居民福祉的承諾。
由多倫多和約克地區勞工議會（Toronto & York Region Labor Council）建立的華工網絡 （CWN）期望一個超越文化或職業界限的城市——一個捍衛所有居民的權利和福祉的城市，無論其背景如何。 這不是華裔居民獨有的願景，而是每個人的共同願望，無論居住地、年齡、收入或隸屬關係如何。
2024年2月13日
CWN Statement on Proposed Property Tax Increase and Mayor’s Budget
The Chinese Workers Network supports Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s 2024 Budget. While the prospect of a 9.5% property tax increase can be daunting, it is important to reflect on the values that define the kind of city we wish to build, the values of compassion, inclusion, and a commitment to the well-being of all its residents. The phrase “What we want for ourselves, we want for others,” ingrained in the labor movement’s history, shows the importance of solidarity and collective well-being. Just as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers went on strike in 1981 for maternity leave benefits that eventually became a national standard, we are faced with decisions about the Toronto we envision.
The questions we face—about the type of city we want to build—are fundamentally linked to our social values. Do we want a city that turns a blind eye to the needs of its residents? Or do we aspire to create a space where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the resources and services they need to thrive?
The answers to these questions reflect the values that shape our city, and they demand a commitment to building a community that values inclusivity and social responsibility. While facing a 9.5% property tax increase may raise concerns, it is crucial to recognize the broader context. Attempts by previous mayors to secure financial support from the provincial and federal governments have failed. However, the current Mayor has successfully garnered commitments from both levels of government within a short timeframe.
The 9.5% property tax increase, when viewed as an average of 80 cents per day, becomes a tangible investment in critical services, such as the repair of roads and public spaces, the Scarborough Busway, paramedic and fire services and in the long-term care, and community crisis response in Toronto. In light of the financial support secured from higher levels of government, this increase is a critical step towards building a Toronto that reflects our collective values.
It’s worth noting that the burden of this tax increase to support critical services is not the same for all residents, and its impact on individuals is relatively modest. Yet the impact on the most vulnerable; those who need it the most, is significant. Investing this modest amount can contribute significantly to maintaining and enhancing the services that make Toronto a vibrant and compassionate city.
As we grapple with this decision, let us remember the spirit of collective action and envision a city that stands true to the principle: “What we want for ourselves, we want for others.” In supporting this property tax increase, we contribute to the construction of a Toronto that embodies our shared values of compassion, inclusion, and a commitment to the well-being of all its residents.
The Chinese Workers Network (CWN), established by the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, envisions a city that transcends cultural or occupational boundaries—a city that champions the rights and well-being of all residents, irrespective of their background. This is not a vision exclusive to Toronto residents of Chinese heritage but a shared aspiration for everyone, regardless of age, income, or affiliations or place of domicile.
February 13, 2024
