The Toronto Police Association represents almost 9,000 police and civilian members of the Toronto Police Service. We are a professional organization dedicated to advancing the interests of our members through education, political action, and legislative advocacy. Our foremost priority is the wellbeing of our members and the community we serve.
While we have successfully built professional partnerships with all levels of government, no relationship is more important than the one with local councillors and the mayor. For instance, since 2024, we have worked to advance a much-needed Multi-year Hiring Plan and sustainable funding to keep pace with the needs of a large urban city.
We have been clear and consistent in our approach during this municipal election. We will meet with any candidate who asks to collaborate with us in developing a platform that reflects our priorities. To date, the only candidate for mayor to do so is Olivia Chow.
Here are the highlights from our conversation with Mayor Chow:
Multi-year Hiring Plan
Mayor Chow remains committed to the Multi-year Hiring Plan she introduced as part of her 2025 budget. This means filling the maximum number of spots Toronto is allocated at the Police College, leading to 360 new officers each year. In our conversation, Mayor Chow reflected on the unpredictable budgeting that TPS had seen for more than a decade prior to her election that made it hard for Senior Command to invest in programs like the Neighbourhood Community Officers and create career progression opportunities for front line officers.
Mayor Chow demonstrated a clear understanding of how predictable, long-term investments like the Multi-year Hiring Plan improve public safety, lead to lower Priority 1 response times, reduce 911 call times, and improve safety and working conditions for frontline members and the public.
Special Events Funding
Mayor Chow reaffirmed her commitment to properly funding TPS special events policing, tying it to the Province’s cost-sharing role under the broader New Deal for Toronto. This includes making sure Torontonians can gather at festivals like Salsa on St. Clair without fear, with police as a visible safety partner.
Supporting Our Members
Mayor Chow committed to continuing to support TPS members not only in their everyday work protecting the city but especially during times of celebration and grief.
For more information: Meaghan Gray, Chief Communications Officer, Toronto Police Association, mgray@tpa.ca, 647-530-8911