Speak at the 2026 Budget Committee!

The City's Budget Committee will be hosting public consultations on January 20 and 21 that directly inform the Mayor’s proposed budget (the version of the budget Council will vote on). This is your opportunity to share your story directly with Budget Committee members and tell them what you want to see in the budget.

You’ll have a chance to speak at committee, also known as making a deputation. Deputations are an opportunity for you to tell elected officials your opinions and experiences on issues they will be voting on. Progress Toronto will provide the support you need to give a great deputation, along with connecting you to a community of other speakers all making their voices heard.

Here are a few ways we can support you:

  • Pair you with an experienced volunteer (deputation buddy) who can provide personal support throughout the process

  • How to Speak at Budget Committee training on January 14 at 6pm

  • Speaking at Budget Committee Prep Session on January 18 at 12pm

  • Provide you with a worksheet to prepare your deputation

  • Access to our WhatsApp group to connect with other speakers and receive updates

Join the How to Speak at Budget Committee Training

We will be hosting a deputation training with the Toronto Youth Cabinet (TYC) on Wednesday, January 14 at 6pm. You will learn:

  • the basics of speaking at the Budget Committee

  • how you can connect your story to the budget

  • what makes a deputation impactful

Join the Prep Session

On Sunday, January 18 at 12pm we will be hosting an online Speaking at Budget Committee Prep Session. We’ll help you learn the basics of crafting a deputation, brainstorm what you’d like to speak about, and practice delivering an impactful speech in a supportive space.

When & where can I speak on the city budget?

The City’s Budget Committee is hosting consultations online and in person at various locations across the city. See below.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026:

Toronto City Hall
In person in Committee Room 1 and online by video conference
100 Queen Street West, 2nd floor (map)
Between Osgoode and Queen subway stations

Time slots:

  • 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

  • 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

  • 6:00 pm onwards

North York Civic Centre
In person in the Council Chamber and online by video conference
5100 Yonge St (map)
Near North York Centre subway station

Time slots:

  • 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

  • 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

  • 6:00 pm onwards

Wednesday, January 21, 2025:

Scarborough Civic Centre
In person in the Council Chamber and online by video conference
150 Borough Dr (map)
Near Scarborough Centre station

Time slots:

  • 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

  • 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

  • 6:00 pm onwards

Etobicoke Civic Centre
In person in the Council Chamber and online by video conference
399 The West Mall (map)
Near Burnhamthorpe & the 427

Time slots:

  • 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

  • 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

  • 6:00 pm onwards

How do I sign up to speak?

To speak at the Budget Committee you can email buc@toronto.ca or call 416-392-4666. Indicate what time segment and location (see above) you’d like to speak at, and if you will be joining in person or online. The deadline to register is Monday, January 19 by 4:30 pm.

Deputation spots do fill up. Register to speak as soon as possible to ensure you get a space. The City will provide registered speakers with instructions about how to join the meeting and help you understand how to join by video conference.

You can also provide written comments on the budget by email to buc@toronto.ca.

More information at www.toronto.ca/budget