Item - 2026.CA36.1

The Civic Appointments Committee recommends that:

1. City Council appoint the following candidates as public members to the Heritage Toronto Board of Directors, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on June 26, 2030, and until successors are appointed:

Lauren Butler

Dilys Chan

Eden Debebe

Sandra Gionas

Jeff Junke

Alexandru (Alex) Rascanu

Colin Smillie

2. City Council appoint Mike Buckland to the Heritage Toronto Board of Directors, as a public member from the Indigenous Community, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on June 26, 2030, and until a successor is appointed.

3. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1, 2, and 3 to the revised report (June 1, 2026) from the City Clerk remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Heritage Toronto Board of Directors.

Candidates' Biographies

Mike Buckland

Mike Buckland is a Mi’kmaq member of Membertou First Nation in Unama’ki (Cape Breton) and has lived in Toronto for over a decade. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in First Nations History and Political Science and currently serves as an Instructor with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, where he develops and delivers training focused on addressing Indigenous-specific racism across sectors. Mike previously worked with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training, supporting Indigenous community members in accessing employment and education while building partnerships with organizations to create meaningful opportunities. He is also involved in cultural education through workshops and public programming, including walking tours that highlight Indigenous history and presence in Toronto. His work is grounded in storytelling, relationship-building, and advancing inclusive public narratives.

Lauren Butler

Lauren Butler is a bilingual fundraising, social responsibility, and sustainability professional with experience in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. She has worked at West Island Food Bank, Kids Help Phone, Women’s Executive Network, TakingITGlobal, CNIB Foundation and Parkinson Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Concordia University, with a focus in International Relations and Human Rights and a Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability from the University of Toronto.

Dilys Chan

Dilys Chan is a storyteller and "corporate creative" who has spent her career making complex ideas accessible — whether that's breaking down stock market movements for a national TV audience or helping technology companies tell their stories in ways that resonate with audiences. As Editorial Director at Volaris Group, part of Constellation Software, she leads branded content strategy and execution for one of the world's most active acquirers of vertical market software companies. Before moving into the world of tech mergers and acquisitions, Dilys spent close to seven years as a business news producer, where she covered publicly traded companies, economic trends, and financial markets.

Eden Debebe

Eden Debebe is a journalist, communications specialist, and keynote speaker who explores the power of compelling storytelling and uplifting marginalized voices.

 Eden spent six years in Toronto’s fast-moving newsrooms, where she worked both on-air and behind the scenes at CP24, 680 News, CityNews, and OMNI News. Navigating high-pressure environments taught her how to find clarity in chaos, adapt quickly, and rely on fellow team members — lessons that now shape the leadership stories she shares on stage.  Beyond the newsroom, Eden helps organizations meaningfully tell their stories by leading interactive workshops and keynote speeches on impactful media engagement and authentic storytelling. Today, she works in Government Relations and Public Affairs with the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, a union that centres the lived experiences of teachers across the province and advocates for publicly funded education.

Sandra Gionas

Sandra Gionas is an award-winning journalist now dedicated to service and community building. She spent most of her career at TVOntario, covering Ontario politics and public policy extensively, having produced TVO Today Live, a town hall series on the future of democracy, and the flagship nightly current affairs program The Agenda with Steve Paikin. Sandra led TVO’s journalism intern program for many years and has mentored a generation of young journalists. She now spends her time volunteering with nonprofit organizations and working on public history projects, including the award-winning podcast series HHF Presents. Her volunteer and philanthropic work includes the Hellenic Heritage Foundation, Michael Garron Hospital, Informed Perspectives, The Hellenic Initiative Canada and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Toronto.

Jeff Junke
 

Storytelling has always been in my DNA—both of my parents were journalists—but over 15 years, I’ve built my own path as a communications leader focused on purpose, clarity and connection. As Director of Communications at UNICEF Canada, I lead national strategies that bring complex issues to life and inspire action. My work spans media relations, content strategy, public affairs and employee engagement—all grounded in one goal: connecting people to purpose through powerful storytelling. Before joining UNICEF, I held senior communications roles across the corporate, non-profit, and civic sectors, including RBC and CivicAction. This cross-sector experience has shaped my ability to bridge audiences, manage reputational risk, and guide teams in delivering communications that drive both awareness and impact. Beyond my professional role, I serve on the Board of Directors for Heritage Toronto and volunteer with the Royal Canadian Curling Club’s Queer and Trans Women Curling League.

Alexandru (Alex) Rascanu
 

Alex Rascanu is a strategic leader with expertise in policy, stakeholder engagement, and event programming. A former policy advisor with the Ontario government, he has led public policy initiatives and community engagement efforts. Founder of #ExperienceTO, he showcases the city's history through tours and events. With governance experience on the University of Toronto Governing Council, Alex is committed to preserving and promoting Toronto’s heritage through inclusive storytelling and public awareness.

Colin Smillie

Colin Smillie, serves as the Senior Vice President, National Technology at YMCA Canada and spearheads technology strategies across the YMCA nationwide. He leverages his ability to balance innovation, business needs, marketing and compliance requirements to create new strategic technological pathways. His expertise spans a broad spectrum of technology platforms, where he has led organizations to become technology frontrunners with a focus on exceptional customer experiences.

This report recommends the appointment of eight public members to the Heritage Toronto Board of Directors.