Item - 2020.AA4.1

The Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee recommends that:

1.  In light of the COVID-19 emergency, City Council consider as part of the Housing Now Initiative, the dedication of sites for Indigenous housing projects, and the ownership of land to reflect the City’s commitment to reconciliation and the commitment to support building capacity amongst Indigenous organizations and examine existing leases where Land or building ownership might be able to be transferred to Indigenous organizations.

2.  City Council request the Chief Recovery and Rebuild Officer, in consultation with the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office, and other appropriate City staff, to take into consideration the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee's concerns and suggestions on mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 on the Indigenous community in preparation for the recovery and rebuild strategies, including:

a.  naming a reconciliation in COVID-19 recovery lead ensuring that the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild appoint Indigenous peoples and recognize their leadership in the research and consultation process; and

b.  gathering feedback from the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee once staff have conducted community engagement and consultation.

The Chief Recovery and Rebuild Officer gave a presentation on Toronto COVID-19 Recovery and Rebuild.

The Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, gave a presentation on Community and Social Services: Supporting Vulnerable Indigenous People in Toronto Beyond COVID-19.

The following City Officials will give presentations on COVID-19 Recovery and Rebuild:

-  Chris Murray, City Manager, and Saäd Rafi, Consultant, Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild, on Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild; and

-  Denise Andrea Campbell, Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, Mary-Anne Bédard, General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and Abigail Bond, Executive Director, Housing Secretariat on Community and Social Services: Supporting Vulnerable Indigenous People in Toronto Beyond COVID-19.