Item - 2026.TE28.50
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on February 4, 2026 with amendments.
- This item was considered by the Toronto and East York Community Council on January 13, 2026 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on February 4, 2026.
TE28.50 - Recipient of the 2026 Agnes Macphail Award
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Ward:
- 14 - Toronto - Danforth
City Council Decision
City Council on February 4, 2026, adopted the following:
1. City Council approve Dr. Blair Bigham as the 2026 Agnes Macphail Award recipient and thank the Agnes Macphail Committee on its ongoing work to select recipients of this prestigious East York legacy award.
2. City Council continue to recognize the first woman elected in Canada as a Member of Parliament and to continue with the annual award in her name associated with her birthday on March 24th.
3. City Council request the City Clerk to:
a. review opening the nominations for the Agnes Macphail award at a time that better aligns with the City’s legislative schedule; and
b. review options for aligning this award more closely with the other awards that recognize prominent and extraordinary leaders of their day such as William Hubbard and Constance Hamilton, while at the same time maintaining the unique relationship with former Borough of East York which has proudly kept her exceptional contribution alive and remembered.
Background Information (Community Council)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-261449.pdf
Attachment 1 - Letter from the Agnes Macphail Committee
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-261450.pdf
Communications (City Council)
Motions (City Council)
That:
1. City Council continue to recognize the first woman elected in Canada as a Member of Parliament and to continue with the annual award in her name associated with her birthday on March 24th.
2. City Council request the City Clerk to:
a. review opening the nominations for the Agnes Macphail award at a time that better aligns with the City’s legislative schedule; and
b. review options for aligning this award more closely with the other awards that recognize prominent and extraordinary leaders of their day such as William Hubbard and Constance Hamilton, while at the same time maintaining the unique relationship with former Borough of East York which has proudly kept her exceptional contribution alive and remembered.
TE28.50 - Recipient of the 2026 Agnes Macphail Award
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Ward:
- 14 - Toronto - Danforth
Community Council Recommendations
The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:
1. City Council approve Dr. Blair Bigham as the 2026 Agnes Macphail Award recipient and thank the Agnes Macphail Committee on its ongoing work to select recipients of this prestigious East York legacy award.
Origin
Summary
The Agnes Macphail Award was established by the Borough of East York to annually recognize an outstanding volunteer who upheld the values and causes of Agnes Macphail and who live within the boundaries of the former borough.
The Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee met, as established in the Toronto City Council approved selection process, on January 5, 2026 to review the nominations received and to select this year's award recipient. The Committee unanimously selected Dr. Blair Bigham as the 2026 Agnes Macphail Award recipient.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-261449.pdf
Attachment 1 - Letter from the Agnes Macphail Committee
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-261450.pdf