Item - 2023.RM3.6

Various presentations, introductions and announcements were made to City Council on February 7 and 8, 2023.

February 7, 2023

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Tory to address City Council.

Mayor Tory welcomed the 109th Grey Cup Champions, the Toronto Argonauts, to the Chamber. Mayor Tory acknowledged that it was the second time he had the pleasure of welcoming the Grey Cup Champions, the last time being in 2017. Mayor Tory commented that the win was very special to him as former lawyer then commissioner of the Canadian Football League. He recognized the challenges the league faced as the only football league to play in Canada and commended the team on their persistence, teamwork, intelligence, and their dedication to the communities in which they live and work. Mayor Tory acknowledged the tremendous contribution the team makes to the community, to the fans, and to the City of Toronto. He referenced the longevity of the Toronto Argonauts as a team, as the longest-running franchise in the league, having their 150th anniversary this year. Mayor Tory thanked the team for their dedication and congratulated them on their victory.

Mayor Tory invited Toronto Argonauts Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie to speak. Mr. Dinwiddie thanked the Mayor for having the team at Council and thanked the fans and community for the support and recognition. He invited the 109th Grey Cup Most Valuable Player, Henoc Muamba, to speak. Mr. Muamba spoke about the drive and determination of the team and the lessons they learned this year, about the value of the leadership and coaching staff and attributed the team's success to the work that was put in from the top down. Mr. Muamba thanked the City of Toronto for their support of the team.

Mayor Tory invited Michael "Pinball" Clemons to speak. Mr. Clemons spoke about the struggles and injuries the team faced and commented that a great team comes together to overcome such things. He commented that their victory was the result of teamwork and collaboration, and acknowledged his team and coaching staff as the greatest collaborators he knew. Mr. Clemons thanked the fans for their love and support.

February 8, 2023

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Tory to address City Council.

Mayor Tory offered condolence remarks in memory of the late former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion. He commented on their long friendship and the growth of Mississauga into one of the largest cities in Ontario under Ms. McCallion's guidance. Mayor Tory recognized Ms. McCallion's 12 terms in office as Mayor which he attributed to her honesty and forthrightness, and her belief in and dedication to local government. Mayor Tory remembered Ms. McCallion's fierceness and determination in contributing to her community and the Greater Toronto Area. Mayor Tory stated that City of Toronto flags would be lowered to half mast on Monday, what would have been Hazel McCallion's 102nd birthday and stated that more would be done in the future to honour her legacy.

Mayor Tory, during the afternoon session of the meeting, acknowledged the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and people who are suffering from the after effects of the quake. Mayor Tory recognized what a loss this was to the large Turkish and Syrian communities in the City. 

Mayor Tory asked Members of Council to observe a moment of silence to remember Hazel McCallion and the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Councillor Pasternak welcomed the grade 5 to 8 students of the Africentric Alternative School and their teachers, Mr. Yazdani, Mr. Tawiah, and Mrs. Wheeler, who were present in the Chamber.