Governing Immigrant City

This article explores the paradoxes of Toronto’s experience of immigrant and minority political incorporation. The city once synonymous with ethnic homogeneity is now among the world’s most multicultural urban centers. The city, which proclaims “Diversity Our Strength” as its official motto, has a poor record of electing immigrants and minorities to public office. And the city, whose municipal council is overwhelmingly composed of White, European-origin politicians, has an exemplary record of promoting inclusion, equity, antiracism, and human rights in its policies and programs. The article analyzes these ambiguities of governing immigrant city Toronto.