The Need for More Openness at Metrolinx Board of Director Meetings - by Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle

Metrolinx routinely discusses regular matters in secret and behind closed doors - matters that are dealt with out in the open and with full transparency in all major municipalities and transit agencies across the province. Routinely, Metrolinx discusses issues such as traffic management, updates to ongoing projects, COVID-19 impacts, strategic objectives, and fiscal outlooks in private. Notable items that were discussed entirely in private include Metrolinx's Indigenous Relations Program Implementation, The 2023-24 Metrolinx Business Plan, and the Finch West Light Rail Transit update. These are items that the public should be aware of, and have a say in. Unlike Toronto City Council, the Toronto Transit Commission, or other Committees of Council, Metrolinx does not allow local community members or groups to appear in person or online at Metrolinx board or committee meetings. This should not be how a publicly owned and operated corporation runs itself, especially one that is constructing the largest transit expansion program in North America.

2. City Council request the Minister of Transportation and the Province of Ontario to review and amend Section 11 (3) of the Metrolinx Act (2006) to specify what topics at Board of Directors meetings must be accessible to the public and what topics must be handled in closed session.