Item - 2026.MM39.87
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on March 25 and 26, 2026 without amendments.
MM39.87 - Standing in Solidarity with Iranian-Canadians - Declaring Persian Heritage Month at the City of Toronto - by Councillor Lily Cheng, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on March 25 and 26, 2026, adopted the following:
1. City Council formally recognize March 2026 as Persian Heritage Month in the City of Toronto, and encourage the celebration of Persian and Iranian culture, history, and contributions, while also affirming solidarity with the Iranian community during this critical time.
2. City Council direct the Chief of Protocol to illuminate the Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square, on a date to be determined in the month of April, in green, white, and red, as an expression of solidarity with the Iranian community, recognizing their pursuit of freedom, democracy, and human dignity in Iran, and to honour the lives lost in this pursuit.
Background Information (City Council)
Motions (City Council)
That Councillor Lily Cheng be permitted to add to the agenda of today's meeting an urgent Motion without Notice concerning:
Standing in Solidarity with Iranian-Canadians – Declaring Persian Heritage Month at the City of Toronto
Reason for Urgency:
This motion is urgent as it aligns with March, recognized by the Province of Ontario as Persian Heritage Month, and provides a timely opportunity for the City to acknowledge and support the community. At the same time, Toronto’s Iranian community continues to experience ongoing distress due to current events in Iran, and there is a strong need for immediate and visible support from the City.
Vote (Introduce Motion without Notice) Mar-26-2026 5:30 PM
| Result: Carried | Two-Thirds full Council Required - MM39.87 - Introduce motion without notice |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 21 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Lily Cheng, Rachel Chernos Lin, Olivia Chow, Mike Colle, Vincent Crisanti, Paula Fletcher, Stephen Holyday, Parthi Kandavel, Ausma Malik, Josh Matlow, Amber Morley, Jamaal Myers, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Anthony Perruzza, Dianne Saxe, Neethan Shan, Michael Thompson |
| Total members that voted No: 4 | Members that voted No are Alejandra Bravo, Jon Burnside, Chris Moise, Gord Perks |
| Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Nick Mantas |