Item - 2020.EC11.7

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1.  Received the report (December 30, 2019) from the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture for information.

From October 6 to October 13, 2019, the City undertook three concurrent outbound missions to Europe centred on the C40 Global Mayor's Summit held in Copenhagen, Denmark. In all, the missions covered seven cities: London (UK), Paris (France), Marseille (France), Torino (Italy), Milan (Italy), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Stockholm (Sweden). The missions were led by Mayor Tory, Deputy Mayor Thompson and Councillor McKelvie. Councillor Layton also attended the C40 Summit but did not participate in any of the aspects of the City outbound missions.

These missions focused on advancing increased interest in the Toronto Region by promoting the City as a gateway to the North American market; meeting with several companies interested in Toronto; enhancing local relationships; sharing best practices; meeting with industry leaders in various economic sectors; promoting the capabilities of Toronto's green sector; and engaging global mayors and business leaders supporting sustainable action on climate change. They also consisted of meetings with business and municipal officials in the financial services, fintech, innovation, film and digital media, transportation, biomedical, technology, infrastructure and green sectors.

The missions supported City Council's objectives outlined in the International Trade Funding Report approved in February 2017, and the climate change strategy TransformTO approved by City Council in December 2016.

This report provides a high level summary of the missions, highlighting key activities and future next steps.