Item - 2021.RM32.6

Various presentations, introductions and announcements were made to City Council on May 5 and 6, 2021.

May 5, 2021:

Councillor Thompson, during the morning session of the meeting, acknowledged the exemplary contributions and service of Gord McEachen, Acting Chief, Toronto Paramedic Services.

Councillor McKelvie, during the morning session of the meeting, congratulated the Toronto Tamil Chair and the Canadian Tamil Congress for their achievement in fulfilling their three million dollar pledge, made in 2018. The pledge will allow for a full-time Chair of Tamil studies at the University of Toronto, Scarborough. Mayor Tory addressed City Council and recognized the fundraising efforts of the Toronto Tamil community in Toronto and congratulated them for their success.

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, recognized that one-year had passed since the first virtual City Council meeting, held during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaker Nunziata noted that during the past year the City Clerk's Office (assisted by the City's Audio Visual Services unit) has staged 357 meetings of City Council, its committees, local boards and tribunals; processed 4,700 agenda items, 1,500 deputants and recorded over 6,500 motions by Members of Council and boards; and, launched a new, online tool for Members of Council to vote, review motions and request to speak. Speaker Nunziata, on behalf of City Council, thanked the City Clerk's Office and Audio Visual broadcast staff for helping Council fulfil its legislative duties over the past year.

May 6, 2021

Mayor Tory, during the morning session of the meeting, recognized former Mayor of Toronto, Barbara Hall with a scroll in honour of her 75th birthday on Sunday May, 9.

Councillor McKelvie, during the morning session of the meeting, recognized the C40 Women4Climate Mentorship Program which has paired twelve women with twelve mentors in Toronto, to help foster new ideas and businesses focused on climate action. City Council watched a short video featuring the winner of the program's recent pitch competition, Hillary Scanlon, and her idea to improve the accessibility of waste diversion and disposal for those with disabilities or marginalized identities.

Councillor McKelvie, during the afternoon session of the meeting, advised City Council that it was Daniela Magisano's last City Council meeting serving as the Council liaison for Mayor Tory and that she and other Members of Council have enjoyed working with Daniela.