Renewing the District of Jaffna - City of Toronto Memorandum of Understanding - by Mayor John Tory, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie

Since March 2017, the City of Toronto has enjoyed a relationship with the District of Jaffna supported by a 4-year Memorandum of Understanding. The District of Jaffna-Toronto Memorandum of Understanding expired in 2021. While there is currently a moratorium in place which prevents the City from entering into new city-to­ city agreements while a review of Toronto's International Alliance Program is undertaken, there is no restriction on temporarily extending existing city-to-city agreements with other jurisdictions. The review of the International Alliance Program has been significantly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a report to City Council is expected in early 2023. Unlike agreements with other cities that fall within the scope of the Toronto's International Alliance Program which are open-ended, a sunset clause was included in the original Memorandum of Understanding with Jaffna: after 4 years both cities must decide to renew the relationship agreement; otherwise it expires. This mechanism encourages our cities to innovate and helps to ensure that continued engagement yields tangible mutual benefits which take into account current circumstances and market opportunities. Approving this Motion will allow the District of Jaffna and the City of Toronto to continue to share ideas, best practices, governance approaches and business development connections. This Motion is urgent because the existing Memorandum of Understanding has expired and is required to continue the partnership involving the Toronto Public Library and the extension of an invitation to the Mayor of Jaffna to visit Toronto.

3. City Council direct the City Manager to work with the appropriate divisions and agencies and the District of Jaffna to action the initiatives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding.