Item - 2024.EX18.13

Tracking Status

  • City Council adopted this item on November 13 and 14, 2024 without amendments and without debate.
  • This item was considered by the Executive Committee on November 5, 2024 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on November 13 and 14, 2024.
  • See also 2024.QS4.6

EX18.13 - Updating All of City of Toronto Relationship Frameworks to include Gender Inclusive Language

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted on Consent
Wards:
All

City Council Decision

City Council on November 13 and 14, 2024, adopted the following:

 

1. City Council direct the City Manager to update all City of Toronto Relationship Frameworks to include gender-inclusive language.

Background Information (Committee)

(September 23, 2024) Letter from the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee on Updating All of City of Toronto Relationship Frameworks to include Gender Inclusive Language
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-249409.pdf
(September 13, 2024) Letter from Councillor Chris Moise on Updating all City of Toronto Relationship Frameworks to include Gender Inclusive Language
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-249430.pdf

EX18.13 - Updating All of City of Toronto Relationship Frameworks to include Gender Inclusive Language

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Executive Committee recommends that:

 

1. City Council direct the City Manager to update all City of Toronto Relationship Frameworks to include gender-inclusive language.

Origin

(September 23, 2024) Letter from the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee

Summary

At its meeting on September 23, 2024, the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee considered Item QS4.6 and made recommendations to the Executive Committee

 

 

Summary from the letter (September 13, 2024) from Councillor Moise

This motion seeks to recommend the Executive Committee to direct the City Manager to update all City of Toronto relationship frameworks to contain gender-neutral language. This includes not only the replacement of gender-specific language but also a thorough review of all underlying assumptions that may inadvertently reinforce binary assumptions about gender.


Gendered language, though traditionally used, marginalises certain communities, and exclude others from conversations. By updating our relationship frameworks to employ gender-neutral language, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring our city is inclusive and respects the identities of all individuals.


The City of Toronto prides itself on its diversity, inclusivity, and commitment to equality. This step is a critical part of the ongoing effort to ensure that our policies, procedures, and conduct reflect these values. By making this change, we are setting a positive example for other municipalities, organisations, and businesses—demonstrating that inclusive language should not be an add-on, but a fundamental part of how we communicate.

Background Information

(September 23, 2024) Letter from the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee on Updating All of City of Toronto Relationship Frameworks to include Gender Inclusive Language
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-249409.pdf
(September 13, 2024) Letter from Councillor Chris Moise on Updating all City of Toronto Relationship Frameworks to include Gender Inclusive Language
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-249430.pdf

Motions

Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council