The Canadian National Newspaper: Toronto Votes 2006, Atiya Ahmed

With the high crime rate in our cities, we cannot ignore the issue of youth violence. In my opinion, maximum jail sentences are not the answer. They don't do a good job of deterring youth from unlawful activities, nor are they appropriate long-term solutions after the fact. Firstly there have to be preventative measures set up to encourage youth to become good and active citizens. Nowadays, many youths are lacking family attention, connection with the community and a sense of purpose and achievement. In order to attain these they need to become more involved and that is what I will focus on getting done. The area must have more recreational programs, volunteering opportunities; help in job searches, and promote good role models. In this process they will learn that they have a lot to give and achieve. For those who are having trouble with the law, punishment must be balanced with treatment.I want to make sure there is free counseling available as well community based help.

Multicultural Integration

Canadians are proud to belong to such a multicultural society. However, we sometimes take for granted our understanding of our country. New immigrants especially have a difficult time finding their way and fitting in with the rest of us. I want to help immigrants feel welcome. This can be achieved by having free information sessions they can attending concerning employment, education, financial help and so on. Also, I would ensure that there are more community events bringing all the residents together, no matter what their background. This wilt help everyone learn about each other, as well as feel safer by knowing their neighbours.

Community Safety

The solutions proposed for youth violence and multicultural integration promoted community safety. I would like to add however that I plan on starting neighborhood watch programs because all of us can work together to create a safer environment. Also, the area requires more lighted streets for increased safety at night.

Being a mother of two l understand the importance of proper childcare. I am determined to help parents give their children the best care possible. Offering parenting classes and increasing the quality of our daycares (more education, better nutrition...) are two of the many ways I will accomplish this.

With so much of our culture focused on youth, there needs to be more attention paid to the elder residents in our community. More community programs and social events will be arranged. I also believe that the pension system should make allowance for people whose paid life was interrupted to perform unpaid caring labour (raising children, sickness, injuries, unemployment etc). I am strongly determined to help make this a reality.

A vision for Toronto

Toronto, a cultural cradle and urban laboratory needs the City Council with vision, commitment and achievement not just commitment. I have a clear roadmap for the Ward 34 who is suffering from so long with promises but I want to resolve the issues for community unrest, underprivileged, environment, socio-cultural and immigrant settlement. My nomination Change the atmosphere and you see the difference. We need volunteers, help fund raising and donation accepted.

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E-mail: atiyaforcouncillor@gmail.com