Presentations, Introductions and Announcements

Mayor Tory added that as a representative of Toronto City Council and the people of Toronto, he expresses as much as possible, how much we stand with the people of Ukraine and with the Ukrainian-Canadian community in Toronto which is also the largest Ukrainian community, outside Ukraine, and in the world. Mayor Tory noted that the City of Toronto will continue to support any and all action taken by the Government of Canada in support of Ukraine. Mayor Tory further added that although what Russia is doing to Ukraine is completely wrong and without justification, this situation has a deeper meaning for the City of Toronto as the City of Toronto and the capital of Ukraine - Kyiv, have a 30-year long special relationship. Mayor Tory said that he had the honour of meeting and welcoming Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko in 2017 at Toronto City Hall with Deputy Mayor Stephen Holyday and also spoke to him virtually early in 2021. Now Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko is on the front lines of this war fighting for his country and for his people. Mayor Tory remarked that the courage and resilience of Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and the President of Ukraine amazes and inspires many around the world, including their own citizens and him as well. Mayor Tory said that he would like the people of Kyiv and Ukraine to know that the people of the City of Toronto stand with them at this terrible time. Mayor Tory noted that the City of Toronto will not stop drawing attention to the unlawful invasion of Ukraine and will continue to urge the leadership of Russia to stop this aggression. Mayor Tory affirmed that the Ukrainian flag will continue to fly high at Toronto City Hall in honour of the fight taking place abroad and in honour and support of the community here while continuing to raise awareness of the situation taking place in Ukraine. Mayor Tory further added that although this conflict is geographically far away, it is a fight about freedoms and our way of life and values here in Canada. Mayor Tory noted that 1.7 million Ukrainian refuges have rightfully fled for safety so far and the UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) has noted that this is the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War 2. Mayor Tory affirmed that as Mayor of Toronto and in keeping with the same response the City has had with other humanitarian crisis of this kind, the City of Toronto will support the Ukrainian community here and will support the Government of Canada in any way possible to help successfully resettle Ukrainians who are fleeing their home country because of the war. Mayor Tory noted that the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area Mayors and Chairs have met recently and have given their unanimous support of full cooperation with the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the Ukrainian community with respect to resettling refugees. Mayor Tory advised that he has met virtually with the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Sean Fraser, to deliver a similar message that the City of Toronto is here to support Ukrainian refugees and to help people when they need help the most. Mayor Tory further advised that he has also reached out to the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress, which the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has indicated will be playing a leading role in helping to resettle refugees, and discussed that matter. The Ukrainian-Canadian Congress has also reached out to Mayor Tory and Ward Councillor Josh Matlow to install 'Free Ukraine' street signs around the Russian consulate which City staff are working to install as soon as possible as another important gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Mayor Tory noted that Toronto City Council is proud to be the home of such a vibrant, dynamic and contributing community of Ukrainian-Canadians and noted that when they are hurting, all of us are also hurting. Mayor Tory urged the residents of the City of Toronto to support, in any way possible, Ukrainians abroad as well as the Ukrainian community in the City of Toronto and the anticipated Ukrainian refugees expected to be welcomed in Toronto over the coming weeks. Mayor Tory, during the morning session of the meeting and on behalf of City Council, recognized the outstanding achievement of Torontonian Domee Shi, Animator, Storyboard Artist and Director for Pixar-Disney, in recognition of her accomplishments in the film industry and in representing and featuring Toronto in her film 'Turning Red'. Mayor Tory noted that it is a great honour for the City of Toronto that Domee Shi chose to feature and star Toronto as a city in her film 'Turning Red' celebrating the City she grew up in. The film 'Turning Red', which premiered in Toronto this week, will be globally available as of March 11, 2022. Mayor Tory also noted that Domee Shi studied animation at Sheridan College which has a globally recognized program. Mayor Tory noted that the film 'Turning Red' pays homage to the diversity in Toronto and the strength of our Asian community which all contribute greatly to the success and achievements of the City. Mayor Tory noted that Toronto is excited to see, as a first, the City in animation form showcased to the world, and he further recognized the extraordinary achievement that Domee Shi is the now first woman to ever direct a Pixar feature. Mayor Tory noted that Toronto is honoured that Domee is a Torontonian and congratulated Domee Shi on that achievement as well as winning an Oscar for a short film in 2018. Mayor Tory further noted that Toronto continues to excel in the film industry, attracting big names and remarkable productions to the City and this is another example of that and the incredible talent that Toronto has. Mayor Tory advised that Toronto City Council has presented Domee Shi with a scroll, a certificate of achievement, and a piece of art by another Toronto artist in recognition of her achievements and to note the City's appreciation for her work. Domee Shi, during the morning session of the meeting, addressed City Council and thanked Members for congratulating her and for Toronto always welcoming immigrants as she herself immigrated to Toronto with her family from China 30 years ago. Domee Shi noted that Toronto has molded her into who she is today and the animated movie 'Turning Red' was set in Toronto because of that. She noted that she hopes to inspire other women and thanked the City of Toronto. Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, acknowledged that March 8, 2022 was International Women's Day. She thanked Councillor McKelvie, who put together a short video, to honour all the women on City Council in recognition of International Women's Day. Councillor McKelvie, during the morning session of the meeting, introduced the video that was made as a tribute to the women on Toronto City Council in recognition of International Women's Day.