This was the main topic of discussion at a forum held last week to discuss ways of offering a more inclusive environment to all residents. There are more than a quarter million adults living in Toronto who are not Canadian citizens and consequently do not have the right to vote in local elections.

The level of interest can be gauged by the fact that more than 150 people attended the event.

The panel, made up of Astrid de Vries, Diana Salas and Alan Broadbent, argued that residency, not citizenship, should be the only criterion for eligibility to vote municipally.

The host, Mayor David Miller, concurred: "Voting is about how we choose our government, but it is also about social inclusion and welcoming newcomers," he said. "Extending voting rights in municipal elections to permanent residents is part of our vision of an inclusive city with opportunity for all."

'Works worldwide'

Alan Broadbent, chairman of the Maytree Foundation, the Caledon Institute of Social Policy and the Tamarack Institute, made four points: this concept works around the world; voting rules change from time to time to accommodate the changing population; we need immigrants to replace an aging population; and we need immigrants to become fully integrated into our society quickly - the long-term benefits outweigh the risks.

Outlining the Dutch experience with offering voting rights to non-citizen residents, Astrid de Vries, deputy consul-general, Netherlands Consulate, Toronto, told the audience overall voter and political participation had increased since non-citizens were given the right to vote in municipal elections in the Netherlands. As a result, non-citizens have also become more active in their local communities and political parties have adapted their policies to respond to non-citizen issues.

Diana Salas, associate director, Women of Color Policy Network, Wagner School of Public Service, New York University, and a member of the New York Coalition to Expand Voting Rights, said extensive community outreach and polling efforts in New York City showed the primary concerns of non-citizens such as transportation, education and jobs were similar to those of voting citizens.

Councillor Janet Davis, chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee (Ward 31 Beaches-East York) and the evening's MC, concluded the evening by stating: "Permanent residents in many other jurisdictions around the world have the right to vote in municipal elections and the results have been positive.

"What we have learned from the panel is that extending the vote can, in fact, strengthen residents' involvement in the political and social life of a city."

Mayor Miller called on Toronto's community to build grassroots, community support for this change, and to support the community-based campaign at ivotetoronto.org

Toronto's government says it is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.

The city is Canada's largest, and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is arguably the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America.

The city has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. This year marks the 175th anniversary of Toronto's incorporation as a city.