Item - 2023.RM7.6

June 14, 2023

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, recognized two members of the City Clerk's Office, Carol Kaustinen and Ellen Devlin, for their retirement from the City of Toronto.

Speaker Nunziata acknowledged that Carol Kaustinen and Ellen Devlin have both had distinguished careers with the City and the City Clerk's Office, providing support to Members of Council, staff and the public, in their roles as Administrators. Speaker Nunziata remarked that many Chairs and senior officials have benefitted from their advice, calmness, and dedication to ensuring open and transparent decision making. Speaker Nunziata, on behalf of City Council, thanked Ms. Kaustinen and Ms. Devlin for their service to the City and its residents, and wished each a wonderful retirement.

Councillor James Pasternak, during the morning session of the meeting, congratulated the City for successfully hosting the 2023 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference and Trade Show held from May 25-28, 2023. Councillor Pasternak acknowledged the many hours of work and planning that went into the event, citing the dedication of City Staff as the reason for its success. Councillor Pasternak remarked that the conference brought over 2,000 delegates from cities and towns across Canada, gathered under the theme of "Local Action, National Results". Councillor Pasternak recognized Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie for her energetic and enthusiastic participation in the conference, the City Manager's Office and Protocol that led the planning and hosting, and Josie Scioli, Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, for her support, and City staff in their work for the conference.

Councillor Jamaal Myers, during the morning session of the meeting, acknowledged and thanked the members of the Toronto Police Service, 42 Division, and the members of the Emergency Task Force, and Toronto Transit Commission staff, for their swift and seamless efforts in apprehending the suspect who allegedly threatened the mayoral candidates. Councillor Myers recounted that he was participating in a ride-along with the 42 Division, and witnessed firsthand the professionalism of the officers and Toronto Transit Commission staff exhibited in protecting the transit riders, his constituents, and the mayoral candidates. Councillor Myers then thanked Councillor Vincent Crisanti for encouraging him to attend the ride-along for it provided him with valuable insight on the day-to-day activities, challenges, and opportunities of the Toronto Police Services. Councillor Myers reminded everyone about the importance of everyone being presumed innocent until proven guilty, and that he hopes that the suspect gets the mental health support that he might need.

Councillor Josh Matlow, during the morning session of the meeting, recognized Corporate Security who kept the Members of City Council up to date on the events following the threat on the mayoral candidates.

Councillor Josh Matlow, during the morning session of the meeting, congratulated the residents of Forest Hill Village for their celebration of the 100th anniversary of Forest Hill. Councillor Matlow remarked that Forest Hill was once known as "Spadina Heights", Ojibwe for "Place on the Hill". Councillor Matlow acknowledged the Forest Hill Business Improvement Area, the Upper Hill Business Improvement Area, and the Eglinton Way Business Improvement Area for the celebrations they are holding for the community.

Councillor Josh Matlow, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed the Ethiopian Association for the Greater Toronto Area members who were present in the Council Chamber, and acknowledged their involvement in supporting Ethiopian refugees along with other refugees from Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania.

Councillor Anthony Perruzza, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed Professor Andrew Pask and his students in Municipal Government Relations class from Seneca at York Campus, who were present in the Council Chamber.

Deputy Mayor McKelvie, during the afternoon session of the meeting, congratulated Councillor Brad Bradford on the birth of his daughter, Bronwyn Bradford.

Councillor Brad Bradford, during the afternoon session of the meeting, thanked Deputy Mayor McKelvie and Members of Council, promising to pass the message along to his partner Kathryn Bradford, and his first daughter, Briar.

June 15, 2023 

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie to recognize Heather Taylor, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, on her retirement from the City of Toronto.

Deputy Mayor McKelvie acknowledged the outstanding career of Ms. Taylor during her time with the City and underscored the many career highlights she had accrued. Deputy Mayor McKelvie recognized the many budget reforms that Ms. Taylor had ushered in, which moved the City towards an outcomes-based budget. Deputy Mayor McKelvie outlined Ms. Taylor's passion for the environment and her role as the Co-Champion for the City's Women for Climate TO Mentorship program. Deputy Mayor McKelvie described Ms. Taylor's work towards ensuring the City's environmental goals, and making Toronto the first Canadian government to incorporate climate related disclosures in their audited financial reports, to issue Environments, Social and Governance performance reports, and to build in a sustainability framework within the City's debt and borrowing program. Deputy Mayor McKelvie, on behalf of the City and City Council, thanked Ms. Taylor for her resilience, leadership, and unfailing kindness. Deputy Mayor McKelvie, presented Ms. Taylor a Proclamation scroll.

Heather Taylor, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, addressed City Council and thanked Deputy Mayor McKelvie, the Senior Leadership Team, the Corporate Leadership Team, and the Finance Team for their remarkable work. Ms. Taylor promised to remain in touch with the City, and wished everyone the best and continued success.

Deputy Mayor McKelvie, during the afternoon session of the meeting, thanked the Office of the Mayor staff who remained steadfast in their duties to the City after the resignation of former Mayor John Tory. Deputy Mayor McKelvie recognized Don Peat, Courtney Glen, Louis Tsilivis, Matt Buckman, Tasnia Kahn, David Turnbull, Edward Bimbaum and all other staff for their time with the City.

Councillor Fletcher and Councillor Colle, during the afternoon session of the meeting, recognized Deputy Mayor McKelvie for her work as Deputy Mayor, thanked her and her staff for their excellent work, and presented the Deputy Mayor with a card and a cake.

Councillor Fletcher, during the afternoon session of the meeting, welcomed the Grades 4 and 5 students of the Holy Cross Catholic School and their teacher Joanne Pace, who were present in the Council Chamber.