Item - 2023.EX5.8

The Executive Committee referred the Item to the City Clerk for consideration when preparing the report on the review of the Public Appointments Policy which is anticipated in the fall of 2023.

City Council on May 10, 11 and 12, 2023, referred Motion MM6.33 to the Executive Committee for further consideration.

Public appointees are a vital part of ensuring that both democracy and public interest are advanced and protected. The City of Toronto’s Public Appointments Policy recognizes that candidates’ qualifications, experiences and skills shall meet boards’ individual requirements; our City is best served ‘by boards that collectively reflect the geographic distribution and diversity of the community that they serve.’

Diverse and equitable representation on the Toronto Transit Commission Board is a crucial, basic requirement. Our Policy requires City Council to employ proactive strategies in achieving qualified and representative boards, with variations only implemented in unusual circumstances which are expressly approved by Toronto City Council.

The needs and interests of transit riders, particularly for people with disabilities differs greatly amongst riders in Toronto and East York, North York, Scarborough and Etobicoke-York. Candidates and those appointed must reflect the diversity of TTC riders in order to bring the lived experiences of the City’s transit riders to the Toronto Transit Commission Board, which includes regularly taking transit.

This Motion aims to enhance the diversity and representation of candidates being considered for appointment to the Toronto Transit Commission Board and requests the Civic Appointment Committee members to consider candidates who:

- represent all four community council areas of the City;

- identify as a person with a disability; and

- are regular transit users.

1. The Executive Committee received the report for information.

In response to Motion MM6.33 which was referred to Executive Committee by City Council at its meeting held May 10, 11, and 12, 2023, this report provides further information about the public appointments process, including the current process to nominate public members for appointment to the Toronto Transit Commission Board.