Ethnoracial political representation in Toronto: Patterns and problems

Abstract

This paper examines both the statistical and substantive dimensions of ethnoracial electoral representation in Toronto. We compare politician profiles across the municipal, provincial and federal arenas of politics and conclude there is a dual “representation gap’ in Toronto’s electoral politics. First, minority communities—especially visible minorities—are numerically badly underrepresented in Toronto across all levels of government. Second, the record of minority-identity politicians on municipal council suggests they do not necessarily serve minority community interests well. The paper analyzes these patterns and problems, concluding that solutions likely lie beyond the parameters of liberal democratic norms of political representation.