Item - 2023.RM6.6

Various presentations, introductions and announcements were made to City Council on May 10, 11, and 12, 2023.

May 10, 2023

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie to recognize Tracey Cook, Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services, on her retirement from the City of Toronto.

Deputy Mayor McKelvie acknowledged Tracey Cook's career highlights and commended Tracey Cook on her contribution to the City as an outstanding leader in the public service. Deputy Mayor McKelvie remarked on how much Ms. Cook cares about the City, her colleagues, and doing what is right. Deputy Mayor McKelvie underscored the difference Ms. Cook has made, through her efforts to ensure transit expansion and climate resilience move forward, and as someone who truly cares for her staff and makes time to connect and engage with her team. Deputy Mayor McKelvie, on behalf of City Council, thanked Ms. Cook for her service and wished her a happy retirement with her family and all the best for the years to come. Deputy Mayor McKelvie presented a Proclamation to Tracey Cook.

Paul Johnson, City Manager, addressed City Council and commended Tracey Cook for her remarkable career in the public service. City Manager Johnson remarked that Ms. Cook led complex and challenging work in partnership with divisions, agencies, boards, and corporations, and other orders of government to address communities' needs. City Manager Johnson remarked that, in all her roles, from division head for Municipal Licensing and Standards to Interim City Manager, Tracey Cook leads with authenticity, integrity, honesty, and passion. City Manager Johnson presented Ms. Cook with the Pinnacle Award accompanied by a gift sculpture, titled "Eagle Bear," by Indigenous artist Leroy Henry from Six Nations of the Grand River. City Manager Johnson advised that the Pinnacle Award is the City's most prestigious accolade as it recognizes exceptional and outstanding leadership at the City, and explained that the symbolism behind the sculpture represents Ms. Cook's leadership. City Manager Johnson congratulated Ms. Cook on her retirement.

Tracey Cook, Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services, addressed City Council and thanked Deputy Mayor McKelvie, and her family and friends. Ms. Cook reflected that she is most proud of the people she had the pleasure to work with: members of the Toronto Police Service, members of the Toronto Public Service, the City's leadership team, and the Members of City Council. Ms. Cook stated that it has been an absolute honour to work with everyone to serve the community and City Council, and thanked everyone for their dedication and for working together to continue building an amazing city.

Councillor Amber Morley, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council of her support for the proclamation Deputy Mayor McKelvie made, proclaiming May as Museums Month, and for the vital role Toronto's museums and historical organizations and societies play in documenting the contributions of diverse groups of Torontonians in building the City. Councillor Morley stated that organizations like the Ontario Black History Society ensure that the accomplishments and contributions that Black people played in growing the Province and the City are included in historical city-building narratives. Councillor Morley advised Members of Council that the Ontario Black History Society has been actively working with the City of Toronto, through the Office of the Mayor, and CreateTO, to develop a Black history museum in Toronto and Councillor Morley is excited about this effort and hopes to see it come to fruition.

Speaker Nunziata welcomed the graduating students and their teacher of the Chief T'Selehye School, Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territory, who were present in the Council Chamber.

Councillor Colle, during the afternoon session of the meeting, acknowledged Razan Akiba, a former intern in his office under the Muslim Youth Fellowship program organized by Urban Alliance on Race Relations, who was present in the Chamber.

May 11, 2023

Deputy Mayor McKelvie, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that she has pins for the Moose Hide Campaign, which is a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys who are standing up against violence against women and children. Deputy Mayor McKelvie advised that wearing the moose hide signifies commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children, and to work together with other men and boys to end violence against women and children. Deputy Mayor McKelvie encouraged everyone to help spread the Moose Hide Campaign by sharing with family, communities, and organizations.

Councillor Lily Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that May is Asian Heritage Month, a chance to learn the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada and to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin. Councillor Cheng recalled the importance of remembering the many struggles that Asian Canadians suffered in the past and present, and encouraged everyone to celebrate the diversity of Asian culture in the community. Councillor Cheng remarked that the theme for this year's Asian Heritage Month is "Stories of Determination," a true representation of the Canadian immigrant story.

Deputy Mayor McKelvie, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that on Friday, May 12, 2023, there will be a memorial for the late Councillor Pam McConnell from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and that she would be proposing to extend the lunch recess to 2:30 p.m.

Councillor Mike Colle, during the afternoon session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that May is Jewish Heritage Month. Councillor Colle acknowledged the Jewish heritage in Toronto and advised that during the time of Jewish Heritage Month, there will be events such as the Jewish Film Festival and the Jewish Music Week. Councillor Colle recounted the various contributions of Jewish Canadians and how they have shaped the City of Toronto.

May 12, 2022

Councillor Morley, during the morning session of the meeting, advised City Council that May 12 was Councillor Lily Cheng's birthday and wished Councillor Cheng a happy birthday. Councillor Morley thanked Councillor Cheng for the collegial energy that she brings to Council, and announced that she brought baked goods for everyone.

Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, recognized all the mothers across the City of Toronto, especially the single mothers. Councillor Cheng further thanked Speaker Nunziata for her graciousness in presiding over City Council.

Councillor Myers welcomed the Grades 3 and 4 students of the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Catholic School and their teachers, Ms. Feeney, Ms. Stoner, and Mr. Fernandes, Superintendent of Equity, Toronto Catholic District School Board, who were present in the Chamber.

Deputy Mayor McKelvie, during the afternoon session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that Steevan Sritharan, Senior Advisor, Council Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, Office of the Mayor, is leaving the City. Deputy Mayor McKelvie thanked Mr. Sritharan and wished him the best in his new adventure.