Item - 2020.RM24.5

Various presentations, introductions and announcements were made to City Council on September 30 and October 1, 2020.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Mayor Tory, during the morning session of the meeting, announced that today, September 30th, is Orange Shirt Day in which Canada remembers the victims from the Indigenous community who went through the Indian residential school system.

Mayor Tory, during the morning session of the meeting, spoke of the life and accomplishments of former Prime Minister John Turner who had passed away.  

Councillor Ford, during the morning session of the meeting, spoke of the passing of Mohamed-Aslim Zafis and on behalf of City Council, sent condolences to his family and friends.

Mayor Tory, during the morning session of the meeting, acknowledged the retirement of Ulli S. Watkiss, City Clerk.  Mayor Tory spoke of Ms. Watkiss' remarkable and distinguished career and noted that she played a vital role in leading the modernization of City government. Mayor Tory further noted that Ms. Watkiss served her role at the City of Toronto admirably, capably and consistently, and has earned the respect of not only of those in the City of Toronto, but those across the country.   Mayor Tory remarked that under Ms. Watkiss' leadership, the City carried out a successful 2018 Election during extraordinary times, which was a herculean accomplishment and further illustrated her support of civic democracy. Mayor Tory, on behalf of City Council, expressed respect, gratitude and affection, and thanked Ms. Watkiss for her service to the City of Toronto.

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, thanked Ulli S. Watkiss for her assistance and support in the City Council meetings for the past 10 years, and remarked that Ms. Watkiss would be missed. 

Ulli S. Watkiss addressed City Council and said that it had been an honour and a privilege to serve as City Clerk in the City of Toronto.  Ms. Watkiss spoke of the role of the City Clerk in municipal government: to get the government elected, to make it function effectively and to make information available.  Ulli S. Watkiss spoke to the democratic principles of transparency, accessibility, fairness and openness and thanked Members of Council for giving her their trust and the independence to fulfill her role as City Clerk in Toronto.  Ms. Watkiss noted that she has worked closely with Members of Council over the years, especially the Speaker. Ms. Watkiss thanked the Speaker for her support over the past 10 years and presented the Speaker with flowers. Ms. Watkiss also expressed her pride in where the Clerk's Office has come from, where it is headed in the future, and in all of her staff.  Ms. Watkiss told Members of Council that they are in extremely good hands and that each one of her staff would go the extra mile to assist Members, and asked Members to give them their support.  Ms. Watkiss thanked the past and present Senior Leadership for their support. In closing, Ms. Watkiss stated that she will miss everyone, particularly her staff and hoped that things would return to some normalcy soon. 

Mayor Tory, during the morning session of the meeting, acknowledged that this is the first meeting of City Council in the Chamber since facing the COVID-19 pandemic.  Mayor Tory thanked City staff for maintaining City services during the pandemic.  Mayor Tory advised that the City remains united in the fight against COVID-19 and will continue to work to flatten the curve.  Mayor Tory thanked Prime Minister Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Freeland, Premier Ford and Finance Minister Phillips for being responsive in protecting the interests of the City of Toronto, and Mayor Tory thanked the people of Toronto for their continued efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Mayor Tory, during the morning session of the meeting, spoke of Salome Bey and her accomplishments during her life time.  Mayor Tory, on behalf of City Council, expressed condolences on her passing and stated that Canada's First Lady of the Blues would be missed.

Councillor Wong-Tam, during the morning session of the meeting acknowledged Katherine Anderson's accomplishment in protecting heritage structures in the City of Toronto.  Councillor Wong-Tam spoke of Ms. Anderson's life, her work as an architectural historian and her dedication to public service and expressed condolences on her passing.

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, introduced Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation.  Mr. Lambe presented Mayor Tory with the Champion of Trees Award to recognize the City for its leadership and commitment to advancing urban forestry through various initiatives. Mayor Tory thanked Mr. Lambe and the Foundation for the award.

Councillor Lai, during the afternoon session of the meeting, sent best wishes to Toronto's Asian community on the celebration of the Mid Autumn Festival.