Date:January 4, 1999

To:Economic Development Committee

From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject:Fashion Industry Liaison Committee (FILC) Membership

Purpose:

To address motions moved by Councillors Brown and Moscoe, that representatives of the Etobicoke and North York garment industries be added to the membership of FILC.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funding is included in the City of Toronto, Economic Development 1999 Operating Budget.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Council Reference/Background/History:

City Council, at its meeting on October 28, 29 and 30, 1998, adopted the Recommendations of the report (September 3, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic Development (Clause No. 10 of Report No. 2 of the Economic Development Committee). Council also amended the Clause by recommending that the above motions by Councillors Brown and Moscoe be referred to the Economic Development Committee for consideration.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

The Fashion Industry Liaison Committee, in spite of being a Committee of the old City of Toronto, has always included representation stretching beyond its borders. Two FILC members represent organizations with national mandates, three have provincial responsibility, and others located across Metro, were appointed because of their ability to also represent the interests of City businesses.

In order to ensure that the Committee's mandate, membership and workplan represents the industry across the new City, FILC has planned an outreach initiative and a strategic planning session. It will be held early in the new year with the new Committee Co-Chairs, Councillors Chow and Kelly. Following this session a report will be forwarded to the Economic Development Committee and City Council, recommending changes to the membership and presenting a workplan for 1999. To respond to the motions raised by Councillors Brown and Moscoe, special attention will be paid to the issue of membership from companies in the former Cities of Etobicoke, North York, York, East York and Scarborough. At its meeting on December 4, the members of the Fashion Industry Liaison Committee discussed these initiatives, and were very excited about the potential for the Committee to work with an expanded group of industry representatives.

Conclusions:

An updated membership list for the Fashion Industry Liaison Committee will be forwarded to the Economic Development Committee and City Council following industry consultations early in 1999.

Contact Name:

Brenda J. LibreczLaurie Belzak, Coordinator

Managing DirectorFashion Industry Liaison Committee

Economic DevelopmentPhone: 392-1296

Fax: 392-1380

E-mail: lbelzak@toronto.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

ECO-98-57