The provincial NDP is enlisting the help of a former Toronto Mayor to craft the platform that will lead to a new deal for municipalities.

David Miller will serve as a special advisor.

Leader Marit Stiles says Miller will help develop their platform with input from municipalities.

“Mr. Miller is going to be going out and actually listening and getting some really solid advice from municipalities to prioritize what we need to do as soon as we are to form government,” says Stiles.

“We know that municipalities want a new deal. Every municipality in this province is struggling.”

Stile says Miller will focus on three key goals; ending provincial interference in local matters, ensuring consistent long-term funding for municipalities and reversing the downloading that has left municipalities footing the bill for provincial responsibilities.

The NDP leader earlier this week said if elected premier, she would take back the financial responsibility of affordable housing and homelessness while restoring previous funding arrangements for land ambulance services and public health.

Miller says he would like to see a proper relationship between the province and local governments that does not include the interference that now exists.

“We create all these complex byzantine programs with multiple ministries having their fingers in the pie in order to put that money back in communities, which doesn’t really make any sense if you think about it,” says Miller.

“That’s why we need a new deal. It’s about respect, and it’s about ensuring local governments have the authorities they need. But it’s also ensuring stable funding, that the money that’s raised there can stay there to meet the needs of the people who are paying the taxes in the first place.”