Working for the Poor and Disadvantaged: Reflections at the End of the 1990s

This paper discusses the role of Citizens for Local Democracy (C4LD) in seeking social equity and democracy for all members of a community, including the poor and disadvantaged. C4LD was created in late 1996 to fight the “megacity” amalgamation in Toronto. The group gradually broadened its agenda to address many of the legislative changes unleashed during the “megaweek” of January 1997. The author describes C4LD”s structure and strategies including open meetings, a phone tree, newsletter, hotline, website and electronic communication, steering committee and finances. What began as a group opposed to the megacity evolved into an association concerned with the larger social and political issues affecting Toronto and the country more generally. C4LD”s work on these issues helped raise awareness about the lack of power and influence that the poor and disadvantaged experience on a daily basis.

ISBN – 1-894159-09-8