Groundbreaking Support for CivicAction's "Pledge to Get a Move On"

116 GTHA political leaders from across party lines pledge to find new ways to fund investment in transportation service and infrastructure

TORONTO, June 20, 2013 /CNW/ - With gridlock the leading local issue in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), elected officials from 80% of GTHA municipalities have joined nearly 2000 residents and pledged to tackle the problem through CivicAction's Your32 campaign.

The broad show of support is expected to grow as the issue moves front and centre at Queen's Park. The Ontario government will soon be assessing Metrolinx's recommended Investment Strategy of how to pay for the benefits that will come from The Big Move. CivicAction is encouraged by the number of politicians from across political lines that are committed to taking action on this issue. See the full list below.

"Politicians are acting, and not just because their constituents want them to act," said John Tory, Chair of CivicAction. "The pledge is bringing residents and elected officials together, and I encourage everyone to make their voice heard by visiting www.your32.com today."

Nearly one-third of politicians from every part of the GTHA have declared their support to find new sources of funding for transportation. They include Premier Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Transportation Glen Murray, 15 Mayors, Councillors, and MPPs and MPs from across the political spectrum.

"Congestion is taking a toll on our health, our economy, our environment, and our quality of life," says Mitzie Hunter, CivicAction CEO. "The support of these 116 elected officials, from all levels of government and across party lines, is key to making sure our region invests in our future."

CivicAction's "pledge to get a move on" calls on residents and elected officials to support new sources of investment in transportation that will drive prosperity for the people who live and work in the GTHA. These sources of investment need to be dedicated, efficient, transparent & accountable, regional, fair, and sustainable.

Residents and politicians can stand together to show their commitment to action by visiting www.your32.com and pledging their support.

About CivicAction's Your32 campaign - CivicAction and its 50+ team of civic Champions and Regional Co-Captains aim to build support for a better regional transportation system and the need for new sustainable ways to pay for it. For more information, visit www.your32.com.

About CivicAction - For the past 10 years, the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance (CivicAction) has brought together senior executives and rising leaders from all sectors to tackle some of our region's toughest social, economic and environmental challenges. CivicAction sets a non-partisan agenda, builds strategic partnerships with organizations, and launches campaigns, programs and organizations that transform our region. For more information, visit: www.civicaction.ca, @CivicActionGTA

Elected Officials who have signed CivicAction's Your32 Pledge to Get a Move On

SOURCE: CivicAction