**Title: Mayor Chow Faces Criticism Over Proposed Tax Increase**

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is under scrutiny for her proposal to raise property taxes to cover costs associated with sheltering asylum seekers. Chow has indicated that a tax increase of at least 2% may be necessary to address a $107 million shortfall. This comes as the city grapples with rising expenses related to providing services for individuals without residency status.

Critics argue that before imposing additional financial burdens on residents, Chow and the city council should consider cutting their own expenses. They point to a recent salary increase of $33,000 for council members as an example of wasteful spending. Chow has not committed to reducing her salary or eliminating costly trade missions abroad, which some view as unnecessary expenditures given the city's financial challenges.

"Because they (Liberal government) haven’t been paying their bills, we’ve been taking money from the reserve funds in order to continue the services to shelter these refugee claimants," Chow stated. She emphasized the importance of continuing to provide shelter, warning that halting these services could worsen homelessness in the city.

The proposed tax increase follows a series of significant tax hikes in recent years, with Toronto residents facing a 7% increase in 2023, a projected 9.5% in 2024, and 6.9% in 2025. If the new tax is implemented, the total tax burden could exceed 25% over this period. Critics have highlighted that Toronto's municipal tax levy has consistently outpaced inflation, raising concerns about the sustainability of such increases.

Anthony Furey, a former mayoral candidate, suggested potential areas for budget cuts, including the $5 million allocated annually for drug and crack kits. He also proposed that Toronto reconsider its designation as a Sanctuary City, which allows access to city services for individuals regardless of their immigration status. Furey argued that this designation contributes to the financial strain on the city.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre echoed these sentiments, stating, "Liberals overwhelm Toronto with fake asylum seekers forcing property taxes up on Canadians struggling to pay their mortgages. We must fix the broken Liberal immigration system."

As the city prepares for an upcoming trade mission to Asia, there are calls for the mayor to reconsider sending representatives, especially after a previous trip to London and Dublin cost taxpayers over $32,000. Critics argue that such expenses should not be prioritized when residents are facing financial hardships.

In addition to the proposed tax increase, Toronto is also expected to incur significant costs for upcoming events, including World Cup soccer games and investments in electric buses and housing renovations. With these financial pressures mounting, many residents are questioning the city's spending priorities and the impact on their already strained budgets.