Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie sent a letter to federal Justice Minister David Lametti requesting that the Government of Canada revise the Criminal Code to better protect transit workers. 

McKelvie’s letter, sent on behalf of the City of Toronto and the TTC, comes ahead of Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day tomorrow and follows conversations around TTC safety.

In her letter, the Deputy Mayor requests that the Government of Canada amend subsection 269.01 of the Criminal Code to include all transit workers in these provisions, not just operators. 

“I firmly believe that transit must be safe for everyone – including for all of our transit workers,” writes McKelvie. “While I understand that the Criminal Code includes general provisions that respond to acts of violence committed against anyone, including transit workers, the proposed amendment would act as a deterrent, sending the message that abuse and assault against transit workers will not be tolerated.”

The TTC requested this change last year and is continuing to advocate for this amendment.

The Deputy Mayor acknowledges the importance of intergovernmental cooperation at all levels to make sure our transit system is safe.

The City of Toronto has taken a number of steps as a municipal government to respond to these challenges, including investments in the 2023 Budget to ensure our transit system is safe, reliable and affordable for residents. 

This includes:

• Increasing the number of mental health outreach workers on the TTC,
• Hiring 50 more TTC special constables,
• Hiring additional Streets to Homes outreach workers to help vulnerable people,
• Freezing TTC fares for seniors, all Fair Fare Pass users, and all monthly and annual passes,
• Expanding the Fair Fare Pass Transit Discount Program – making an additional 50,000 low-income residents eligible.