Presentations, Introductions and Announcements

Mayor Chow acknowledged and thanked the public health staff for their incredible efforts in delivering vital health programs and services for almost a century and a half making Toronto a healthier and safer city. Mayor Chow remarked that, since appointing the first Medical Officer of Health, Dr. William Canniff, in 1883, Toronto Public Health has become the largest public health unit in Canada, supporting the health and well-being of more than 3 million residents. Mayor Chow also acknowledged the ongoing and dedicated commitment of Toronto Public Health staff and community partners for demonstrating leadership in response to the unprecedented public health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Chow declared October 11, 2023, Toronto Public Health Day in the City of Toronto and announced that the Toronto Sign will be lit blue, pink, and purple in honour of the Toronto Public Health milestone. Mayor Chow presented Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health, with a commemorative scroll. Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health, addressed City Council and thanked Mayor Chow, community partners and colleagues at Toronto Public Health, who make a meaningful impact in the life of Torontonians each and every day. Dr. de Villa remarked that Toronto Public Health has undergone significant transformation in response to the evolving needs of the City and the changing landscape of public health, and has expanded its role beyond infectious disease control to address other issues such as chronic disease prevention, mental health, substance use and addressing the social determinants of health. Dr. de Villa thanked everyone and wished them a joyous and healthy Toronto Public Health Day. Councillor James Pasternak, during the morning session of the meeting, addressed City Council and made remarks about the recent terror attacks against Israel. Councillor Pasternak thanked Mayor Chow and other Councillors for attending the vigil held in Mel Lastman Square where over 15,000 people gathered to hear words of hope and support that meant so much to the Jewish community. Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, invited Wendy Walberg, City Solicitor to introduce articling students from Legal Services who were present in the Chamber. They are Love Babajide, Catherine Oatway, John Reason, Nikki Sandhu, Joshua Vetere, and Taryn Wilkie. Speaker Nunziata, during the afternoon session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Olivia Chow to address City Council to recognize Cristina De Caprio for completing her term of office as the City of Toronto's Lobbyist Registrar. Mayor Chow acknowledged the outstanding career of Cristina De Caprio and how she had worked during the past seven years to ensure public transparency in City's decision-making. Mayor Chow remarked that Ms. De Caprio's goal was to move the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar's Office forward and strengthen the stakeholder engagement. Mayor Chow acknowledged that the Office was recognized for excellence and often consulted to share expertise with all levels of government in Canada and across North America. Mayor Chow spoke about how Ms. De Caprio carried out her responsibility with dignity, integrity, strength and a true commitment to public service, and recognized her professionalism, commitment to good governance and for being kind, approachable and helpful. Mayor Chow wished Ms. De Caprio the very best for the future and presented her with a commemorative scroll. Cristina De Caprio addressed City Council and remarked that upon the beginning of her term the Lobbyist Registrar's Office was well functioning and leading the country with expansive provisions for regulating lobbying and transparency across Canada. Ms. De Caprio stated that her office dedicated its focus to education and outreach with the goal of engaging all the city stakeholders in the Lobbyist Registrar Office, and had significant impact on strengthening stakeholders' engagement by creating many online resources and tools, developing the web platform, and implementing the Breach Prevention Strategy to provide more transparency. Ms. De Caprio thanked Members of Council, the City Clerk's Office, the City Manager and the Senior Leadership Team, the City Solicitor, members of the Toronto Public Service, and the Lobbyist Registrar's Office staff for support and excellent work. Councillor Anthony Perruzza, during the afternoon session of the meeting, welcomed students from Seneca at York Campus, enrolled in the "Toronto: Diversity Our Strength" class, who were present in the Council Chamber with their professor, Mark Brownlie. October 12, 2023 Councillor Mike Colle, during the afternoon session of the meeting, advised Members of Council the Toronto Waterfront was taking place this Sunday. Councillor Colle acknowledged that over 50 million dollars in donations collected and distributed to Toronto charities by the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and the event's significant impact on the City of Toronto. Councillor Colle presented Mayor Olivia Chow with an official T-shirt and remarked that both the Mayor and he would be running in the race. Councillor Colle invited Alan Brookes, Race Director, to address City Council.