Non-citizens in New York City, like me, just won the right to vote for mayor, city councillors and other roles within municipal government as soon as 2023. An
estimated 800,000 permanent residents, authorized to work — and “Dreamers” too — will have their say thanks to a new law approved by city council.
In Ontario, municipalities are not empowered to make similar reforms. Progressive political parties should pledge them this autonomy ahead of the provincial election, as the current government is unlikely to support this change.
The powers of municipal governments are decided by the provincial government.