International City to City Program

All Wards

The Policy and Finance Committee recommends:

(1)the adoption of the recommendations of the Economic Development and Parks Committee embodied in the communication (July 13, 1999) from the City Clerk;

(2)that the Mayor and the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be requested to reconsider the timing of the visit to Asia;

(3)that during the European portion of the visit to Amsterdam and Frankfurt harm reduction and prostitution issues be dealt with as well; and

(3)that the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be requested to submit a report to Council on the Team Canada mission of the Prime Minister and potential participation by the City.

The Policy and Finance Committee submits the following communication (July 13, 1999) from the City Clerk:

The Economic Development and Parks Committee on July 12, 1999, recommended to the Policy and Finance Committee, and Council, the adoption of the report (June 25, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having:

(1) requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report back to the September 13, 1999 meeting of the Economic Development and Parks Committee on:

(a)the inclusion of Athens in the mission to Europe in November/December, 1999 or prior to the summer of the year 2000, and extending the timeframe of these missions from 5 to 7 days to 14 to 15 days; and

(b)other twinning relationships, i.e., Sagamihara;

(2) referred the concept of establishing a working group to deal with the International City to City program to the Chair of Economic Development and Parks Committee for consideration.

Background:

The Economic Development and Parks Committee on July 12, 1999, had before it the report (June 25, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Providing a proposed policy and criteria for the support of and participation in inbound and outbound missions to selected world cities for economic development purposes, as directed by City Council; and recommending that:

(1)the policy framework for the International City to City Program and criteria for the support of and participation in, inbound and outbound missions outlined in Appendix "A" be approved; and

(2)the activities and budget for 1999 outlined in Appendix "B" be approved.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee also had before it a communication (July 6, 1999) from Ming Pao (Daily) Newspaper respecting the Engagement of Sisterhood between Beijing and Taipei.

The following Members of Council appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

-Councillor John Filion, North York Centre;

-Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, High Park; and

-Councillor Norman Kelly, Scarborough Wexford.

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(Report dated June 25, 1999, addressed to the

Economic Development and Parks Committee

and the Policy and Finance Committee)

Purpose:

This report provides, as directed by Council, proposed recommendations on a policy and criteria for the support of and participation in inbound and outbound missions to selected world cities for economic development purposes. It outlines the work plan and activities for 1999 and the first quarter of 2000.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

New funds of $250,000.00 are allocated to the 1999 Operating Budget of the Economic Development Office.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the policy framework for the International City to City Program and criteria for, the support of and participation in, inbound and outbound missions outlined in Appendix A be approved; and

(2)the activities and budget for 1999 outlined in Appendix B be approved.

Background:

During the budget review, the Mayor was requested to provide input and recommendations on the process to undertake relationships with selected cities around the world for economic development purposes. Council adopted the following recommendations:

(1)additional funds in the amount of $250,000.00 be allocated to maintain relationships with selected cities around the world;

(2)the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism report to Economic Development Committee on an annual basis the work plan and activities of the year;

(3)the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism work with Protocol and other City departments to co-ordinate activities of an international city to city program;

(4)the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism establish a policy and criteria for the support of and participation in inbound and outbound missions that contain the following:

(i)identification of a clear economic benefit to the City prior to approval of international city to city program activities;

(ii)strict limits on the numbers of staff and elected officials participating in international city to city program activities;

(iii)requirement for a written follow-up report from participants in international city to city program to the Economic Development Committee; and

(iv)approval by Mayor for international city to city program activities.

(5)That the policy and criteria be approved by the Finance and Policy Committee.

Discussion:

Since amalgamation, the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department and the Protocol Office have been discussing the various options of managing an International City to City Program. With the exception of a few inbound visits from our partnership cities, the program activities had been put on hold until Council approved the rationale and program funding.

On April 27, 1999 Council provided the funding and the rationale for initiating an international city to city program. It is crucial, therefore, that a basic work plan for 1999, as well as the policy framework for the International City to City Program, be established and approved expeditiously. As directed by Council, the thrust of the program is to foster relationships with international cities for economic development purposes. The program will be structured to stimulate inward economic investment and export development by focussing on the economic similarities and characteristics between Toronto and its partnership cities. The technical exchange program that the former cities were involved in is not a component of this International City to City work plan but will be strategically linked for economic development purposes.

A critical element of the International City to City Program will be the opportunity to capitalize and foster the tremendous opportunities within our own diverse ethnic communities as entries or 'ports of call' to open the doors to mutually beneficial economic outcomes between Toronto and their home lands. Working with these important communities will assist in raising the City of Toronto's profile for business development purposes and will also benefit the City's Olympic bid efforts.

Section 1: Policy Framework for International City to City Program:

Appendix A outlines in detail the policy framework recommended. The core principles are:

(a)must generate potential business investments to Toronto, facilitate joint venture and partnerships, expansion of export market area for local business, and promoting community, culture and tourism;

(b)to capture the economies of scale, outbound trips will be planned to two or more cities; national and regional gateways, such as London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Beijing will also be visited as appropriate;

(c)the delegation will include the Mayor or his designate, two Councillors, up to two staff, and local business representatives who will cover their own expenses;

(d)a written follow-up report from participants in outbound missions to be submitted to the Economic Development and Parks Committee; and

(e)an annual business plan will be prepared and submitted to the Economic Development and Parks Committee following the review and input from the Mayor.

Section Two: 1999 Work Plan and Program Activities:

The International City to City program goals are:

(i)to help grow Toronto businesses through international partnerships;

(ii)to attract new business and investment to Toronto; and

(iii)to increase Toronto's profile internationally.

The 1999 program will rely on a pragmatic and critical review of the opportunities presented by the economies of the designated City to City cities and the desire of those cities to focus their attention on economic development in Toronto. This will be done directly with our partner cities and right here with our significant community and business leaders with contacts in the targeted areas.

It is recommended that in 1999 Toronto focus on three major regions: Eastern United States, Central Europe and Asia. The rationale for commencing with these regions is based on the fact that amalgamated Toronto has, over the years, made significant investments in business development in these areas. More importantly, these regions have strong economic potential for the growth of Toronto businesses. Each year the work plan will review the outcomes of the previous year's efforts and will consider new opportunities as conditions change.

Within the three targeted regions, the City has six partnership cities that will serve as 'entry points to the regions'. This will facilitate the exploration of economic activities in cities that may or may not have formal relationships with Toronto. The partner cities identified are: Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Frankfurt (Germany), Chongqing (China), Wuxi (China), Indianapolis ( U.S.A.) and Chicago (U.S.A.). The potential for return on investment of this approach will be much higher and the cost to the City more manageable. The economies of these cities correspond most closely with Toronto's key sectors and their interest in economic development matches with our program goals.

The United States is our major trading partner and allows ease of entry for all sectors of Toronto's economy. As such, it is the focus of a majority of the division's investment attraction efforts through attendance at trade shows, investment and sector specific business meetings. These efforts, though separate, will be coordinated with the International City to City Program.

Staff will resume active contact with cities within the targeted regions/countries and work with local business, foreign embassies, consulates and representatives in Toronto to establish or reinitiate a business advisory group for each partnership city. The objective of each advisory group is to provide contacts and leads, facilitate export market development, and assist with client and investment building.

A major component of the program activities for 1999 will be the reestablishment and refocusing relationships on economic development goals. This will take place first at home as described above and then by making contact. Extensive work will also have to be done to build an in depth understanding of the local and regional economies of our city to city partners so that we will know how to take best advantage of our linkages. Finally, Toronto will be receiving inbound and undertaking outgoing missions for the first time. It is recommended that the City receive eight incoming visits and undertake two outgoing visits in 1999.

Overview of 1999 Program:

(1)Inbound Missions:

The budget for program costs to support eight inbound missions in 1999 is approximately $35,250.00. A number of partnership cities have written to request an inbound mission including Amsterdam, Volgograd, Chicago, Indianapolis, Chongqing, and Wuxi. These and other partnership cities that have expressed an interest in expanding the economic benefits of the relationship will be contacted to see if a visit can be arranged. The 1999 list will be finalized in consultation with the Mayor and the Protocol Office.

The staff in Economic Development and the Protocol Offices will work with the other city departments to co-ordinate activities and programs such as: a courtesy call on the Mayor, meetings with Council members, and senior staff, and welcome reception. They will organize investment and business meetings with local companies, arrange site and plant tours as well as work with local businesses and community.

The budget will cover official reception, meeting expenses, overhead costs and materials and, in the case of a delegation from the Far East, some hotel rooms, meals and local transportation. This is so because these costs are typically covered by those cities when Toronto is on an outbound mission.

The program for an inbound mission includes a courtesy call on the Mayor and/or members of Council, investment and business meetings, site familiarization tours, meetings with departmental and senior government officials, and a formal welcome such as a luncheon or reception.

As indicated in the proposed policies governing the International City to City Program in Appendix A, the following relate to inbound missions:

(1)funds allocated to the International City to City Program for inbound missions are for the sole purpose of activities related to the designated list of twenty-six partner cities or those specifically indicated in the approved business plan;

(2)the purpose of inbound missions from the designated list will focus on economic development initiatives;

(3)an annual business plan will be prepared and submitted to the Economic Development and Parks Committee outlining: the list of cities expected to generate the 6 to 10 inbound missions; and

(4)an effort will be made to ensure that each of the City to City cities will have the opportunity of one official inbound mission during the term of Council

(2) Outbound Missions:

Rationale:

(i)potential for business and investment attraction;

(ii)joint venture and partnerships opportunities for Toronto business;

(iii)expand Export Market Areas for Toronto manufacturers;

(iv)job creation;

(v)tax generation;

(vi)opportunity to promote Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid;

(vii)raise profile of Toronto; and

(viii)increase tourism, business travel and convention business.

Activities:

(i)prepare economic profile of cities to be visited;

(ii)liaise with local and overseas government officials and business representatives;

(iii)host investment seminars to promote Toronto and answer basic investment questions;

(iv)invite local business representatives to participate in outbound missions and provide leads on who to visit and pursue;

(v)arrange one-on-one and small group investment and business meetings;

(vi)schedule itineraries;

(vii)make travel arrangements; and

(viii)arrange official gifts.

(a)Mission to Europe:

It is suggested that a visit be made to Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Frankfurt (Germany) in the fall of 1999. The timing would be approximately late November to mid December for five to seven days. The budget for the mission is approximately $35,770.00.

The objectives of visiting Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Frankfurt (Germany) are to promote Toronto, and to meet with their local companies who have expressed interest in joint venture and partnership with Toronto companies. Specific meetings will be arranged with companies engaged in Toronto's key sectors, namely: tourism, biotech, information technology, telecommunications, food and beverage, and finance.

Program in Amsterdam:

(i)meet with Mayor and Councillors of Amsterdam;

(ii)lunch with Amsterdam Business Association;

(iii)meeting with Canadian Consul and Officials in The Hague; and

(iv)business meetings and corporate calls to targeted companies.

Program in Frankfurt:

(i)meet with Mayor and Councillors of Frankfurt;

(ii)lunch with Frankfurt Business Association;

(iii)meeting with Consular Officials; and

(iv)business meetings and corporate calls to target companies.

(b)Mission to Asia:

It is also suggested that a trip be made to Asia to capture some of the advantages of its growing recovery. The possible itinerary for this outgoing mission will be Taipei (Taiwan), Seoul (Korea), Chongqing (China), Wuxi (China) and Hong Kong and the timing would be early November for 15 to 16 days. The budget for the mission is approximately $75,000.00.

As with the European trip, the objectives of visiting designations in Asia are to promote Toronto, and to meet with their local companies who have expressed interest in joint venture and partnership with Toronto companies. Specific meetings will be arranged with companies engaged in Toronto's key sectors, namely: biotech, information technology telecommunications ( semi-conductor fab plants), fashion and textile, food and beverage, and construction related industries. There will also be an opportunity to meet with the Olympic Committees in Taipei and Seoul.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto, the Consular General of the Republic of Korea, Toronto, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Toronto, and the Consular General of the

Republic of China, Toronto, will assist with and facilitate the delegation's meeting arrangements and itineraries.

The following meetings and activities will be arranged for the Toronto delegation:

Program in Taipei:

(i)meetings with Mayor and Councillors of Taipei;

(ii)Taipei Foreign Affairs Office;

(iii)business luncheon seminar (the seminar will be organized by the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei - over 80 businesses will be expected to attend;

(iv)UNIAIL Corporation - the company bought 25 Dash 8-400 series aircraft from Bombardier facility in Downsview, Toronto; 14 aircraft have been delivered, 6 will be delivered in September 1999, and another 5 next year;

(v)Venture Capital Association - the 48 members association has billions to invest in overseas hi-tech companies in the biotech, information technology and telecommunications sectors;

(vi)Taipei-Taiwan Olympic Committee; and

(vii)site visit and meeting with representatives of the world famous Science Park.

Program in Seoul:

(i)Ministry of Commerce;

(ii)Ministry of Industry; and

(iii)Korean Trade and Investment Agency.

Program in Hong Kong:

(i)Hong Kong Manufacturers' Association;

(ii)Hong Kong Trade Development Council;

(iii)Hong Kong Bank;

(iv)Hong Kong companies who have major investments in Toronto; and

(v)a speaking engagement organized by a local business association.

Program in China: Chongqing

(i)Mayor of Chongqing;

(ii)meet with executives of offices of Northern Telecom, Bank of Nova Scotia and Sun Life; and

(iii)explore the opportunities for more foreign students to come to Toronto.

(c)Winter 2000 - Proposed Mission to Europe:

Currently exploring the opportunity to undertake a business development mission to two additional partner cities in early 2000: Ankara, Turkey and Haifa, Israel.

Conclusions:

As one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, Toronto has tremendous opportunities to connect with key regions across the world through its local multiethnic and multicultural communities. The Economic Development Office, by using this clear advantage of "ports of entry' through our community and capitalizing on our new international city to city program, can begin to generate business leads and create new investment potential.

It is clear in this report and in the decision made by City Council that the prime purpose of our activities, in particular any outbound missions, is to stimulate the growth and strengthening of Toronto's economy. The policy framework contained in this report places before the Committee an approach which will meet the objectives of Council. The work program provides an outline of the type of activities which will be pursued over the next few months, at the same time as detailed planning, booking of appointments and the connecting to the local community takes place.

The framework and plan is an ambitious one given the late start. The immediate approval by the Policy and Finance Committee is essential in order for us to fully implement the plan. Should there be any significant changes to the plan, the Commissioner will report back.

Contact Name:

Peter Finestone, 392 3376

Brenda Librecz, 397 4700

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Appendix A

International City to City Program - Policies

Purpose of Program:

Must generate potential business investments to Toronto, facilitate joint venture and partnerships, expand the export market area for local business, and promote community, culture and tourism.

Funding:

(1)funds allocated to the International City to City Program are for the sole purpose of activities related to the designated list of twenty-six partner cities, or those specifically indicated in the approved business plan;

(2)the program funding, for both inbound and outbound missions, will be augmented by the contributions of the business and local communities as well as the Canadian government on foreign trips; and

(3)budgets will include the full cost of planning, travel, accommodation, meals, business seminars and meetings, gifts, official receptions and the follow-up.

Annual Business Planning:

(1)an annual business plan will be prepared and submitted to the Economic Development and Parks Committee outlining:

(i)the list of cities expected to generate the 6 to 10 inbound missions to be supported and the tentative timing of those visits; and

(ii)the 2 to 3 outbound missions for the year along with the rationale for the specific destinations, goals, timing and budgets.

(2)a summary report of the trip and an action plan will be produced following each mission.

(3)to capture the economies of scale, outbound trips will be planned to visit two or more cities; national and regional gateways, such as London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Beijing will also be visited as appropriate; and

(4)program to be approved by Mayor prior to submission of business plan to Economic Development & Parks Committee.

New Alliances:

As the International City to City Program evolves, relationships with cities who currently do not have formal links with Toronto will grow. These relationships will be founded on their ability to generate new business and investment. The City already has twenty-six twin, sister and friendship agreements. Dialogue, missions and business exchanges can be initiated and conducted without a formal link. Were a new partnership to be contemplated, a positive business case would have to be made prior to Council approval and the preparation of the agreement.

Outbound Missions:

(1)Composition of Delegations: The official outbound delegation will be comprised of the Mayor or designate, two Councillors and two senior staff. It is expected that members of the Toronto business community with an interest in the area(s) to be visited will join the mission at their own expense. The delegation will also be augmented by additional members of Council, paying their own way, who are interested and have a connection to the areas to be visited.

(2)Selection of Official Delegation: The Mayor, in consultation with the Chair of the Economic Development and Parks Committee, and the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism will select the official Council delegation.

(3)Potential Activities: Will comprise the following:

(a)Business/investment seminars and corporate calls to individual businesses;

(b)Meetings with business leaders and potential investors;

(c)Meetings with civic and other foreign government officials;

(d)Meetings with Canadian government/trade officials (embassy and consular staff);

(e)Familiarization tours;

(f)Receptions hosted by the local business community and partner City of Toronto Official presentation of gifts;

Budgets:

(a)An average of $19,000.00 will be budgeted for outbound missions to the United States (based on 1 city and 3 days/2 nights);

(b)An average of $45,000.00 will be budgeted for an outbound mission to Europe (based on 3 cities and 10days/9 nights); and

(c)An average of $65,000.00 will be budgeted for an outbound mission to Asia (based on 4 cities and 16 days/15 nights).

Inbound Missions:

(1)Official Hosts: For each inbound delegation, the Mayor designated member of Council will be the official host during the visit and attend most of the functions during the delegation's stay. In each case there will be a formal welcome hosted by the Mayor/Deputy Mayor at which the official gifts will be exchanged.

(2)Selections of Cities:

An annual business plan will be prepared and submitted to the Economic Development and Parks Committee outlining the list of cities expected to be hosted in Toronto (6 to 10 maximum per year) and the tentative timing of those visits. The Economic Development and Protocol Offices will try to respond to the official requests of the City to City cities attending to the rationale for the visit such as An effort will be made to ensure that each of the City to City cities will have the opportunity of one official inbound mission during the term of Council.

 The addition of cities not on the designated list will only be considered during the business plan stage and will only be pursued if there is strong potential for economic benefit.

(3)Potential Activities: Will comprise the following:

An official welcome;

A modest reception;

Official gifts for the head of the delegation and the key delegates;

Presentations by City staff as are required;

Some ground transportation;

In the case of a reciprocal visit from a partnership city which has previously paid for all of the accommodation and meals of a City of Toronto delegation, hotel and meals for three official delegates;

Business and community meetings as are appropriate.

(4)Budgets:

The total budget for inbound missions in a year will not exceed twenty percent of the total budget for the International City to City Program;

The average of $3,500.00 will be budgeted for a standard inbound mission;

The average of $7,000.00 will be budgeted for a "reciprocal" inbound mission where there is an obligation to provide hotel and meals and these will be limited to three official delegates.

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Appendix B

International City to City Program - 1999 Activities and Estimated Budget

Program Costs$181,000.00

(a)Mission to Asia (Fall)$75,000.00

(b)Mission to Europe (Fall)$40,000.00

(c)US Business Meetings$15,000.00

(d)Inbound Mission -8$35,000.00

(e)Business Facilitation and

Mission Preparation$ 7,500.00(f)Program Overheads$ 8,500.00

(VIII)Program Development / Administration/Research$ 69,000.00

Contracts:

(1)Economic Profile/Background Research:

Europe/Middle East $12,500.00

Asia$ 12,500.00

General Support$ 4,000.00

(30 days)

Local Relationship Building

With Designated communities

and assist with missions

(9 months)$ 40,000.00

Total Costs$250,000.00

(A newspaper clipping from the Ming Pao (Daily) Newspaper appended to the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of Council with the July 20, 1999, agenda of the Policy and Finance Committee and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)

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The Committee also had before it the following communications, submitted by Councillor Norman Kelly, in support of the International City to City Program.

-(July 19, 1999) from Mr. Fred Wang, President, Metrosquare Development Corporation;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Donald Y. Chen, President, Chinese Community Centre of Ontario Inc.;

-(July 14, 1999) from Mr. Wan Q. Lim, Lem Kow Mock Benevolent Association;

-(July 18, 1999) from Ms. Nancy Zhang, Director, Mandarin Chinese Association of Toronto;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Willy W.C. Cheng, President, Association of H.K.F.S. Ex-Staff In Toronto;

-(July 16, 1999) from Mr. Eric Wen, Vice President, Chinese Association of Mississauga;

-(July 18, 1999) from Lin Shen, Director, Chinese Cultural Association of Toronto;

-(July 15, 1999) from Mr. Philip Leong, President, Toronto HongKong Fellowship Association of Canada;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Kwong-Huen Choh, President, Chinese Canadian Institute of Arts & Science Inc.;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Willy Cheng, Director-General, Eastern Canada China Reunification Alliance;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Donald Y. Chen, Director, Cathay Cultural Foundation;

-(July 15, 1999) from Mr. Jeffrey Lo, Chairman, Ontario Chinese Artists Association;

-(July 18, 1999) from the Chairman, Ship Toy Yen Benevolent Society;

-(July 15, 1999) from Lo Wan Shu, Chun Wah Chinese Opera Association;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Willy Cheng, Chairman, Liaison Centre of Hong Kong Retired Civil Servants Association in Toronto;

-(July 16, 1999) from Mr. Alfred Yang, President, Taiwan Entrepreneurs Society Taipei/Toronto;

-(July 14, 1999) from Ms. Grace Yu, Vice President, Chinese Economic Times;

-(July 18, 1999) from Sang Yee, Chief Editor, The Shing Wah News;

-(July 18, 1999) from Wai-Chi Cheng, President, Chinese National League, Eastern Canada Division Inc.

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. David Kei, President, Roc Overseas Students Association, Eastern Canada;

-(July 16, 1999) from Ms. Mina Fung, Executive Administrator, Community Social Services of Peel Region;

-(July 16, 1999) from Mr. Steeve Lee, Chairman of the Board, Ai-Cheng Mandarin Chinese School;

-(July 19, 1999) from Co-Chairman, World Chee-Tak Cultural Centre;

-(July 15, 1999) from J.M. Kung-Fu Club Chinese Art of Self Defence;

-(July 18, 1999) from Wai-Chi Cheng, Director, Toronto Chung Wah Chinese School;

-(July 18, 1999) from Loon Shu Chan, President, The World Kwong Tung Community Organization of Ontario, Canada;

-(July 18, 1999) from Yik Hon Cheong, President, Lung Kong Ten Yee Association;

-(July 16, 1999) from Mr. Edward Lee, Director, Yung Kwang Fellowship Association in Canada;

-(July 19, 1999) from Mr. Tony Liao, President, Taiwanese Hakka Association of Toronto;

-(July 19, 1999) from Moon Lum, Advisor for Canada, Liaison Center of the General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. James H. C. Lu, Director, Taiwan Benevolent Association of Canada;

-(July 18, 1999) from Wai-Chi Cheng, President, Ontario Pui Ying Alumni Association;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Richard Chang, Director, Chinese Association of Toronto for Heritage Among Youth;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Steeve Lee, Director, Overseas Chinese Student Service Centre;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Alexander S.K. Huang, Secretary, Taiwan Universities Alumni Association of Toronto;

-(July 14, 1999) from Mr. Philip Leong, Vice President, C.C.I. Chinese-Canadian Intercultural Association;

-(July 15, 1999) from Mr. Raymond Chan, President, Chinese Investment Club;

-(July 14, 1999) from Mr. Steve Ang, Chairman, Metro-Toronto Chinese Canada Day Committee;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Donald Y. Chen, Director, The Dove Intercultural Society in Canada;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Sifu James Lore, President, J.M. Kung Fu Club;

-(July 18, 1999) from Mr. Henry Chiang, Director, Chinese Canadian Athletic Association;

-(July 15, 1999) from Wan Q. Lim, President, Chinese United Dramatic Society;

-(July 19, 1999) from Moon Lum, Moon Lum, Order of Ontario;

-(July 18, 1999) from Willy W.C. Cheng, President, Friends of President Lee Teng-Hui Association in Eastern Canada; and

-(July 15, 1999) from Mr. Thomas Tu, President, Taiwan Entrepreneurs and Investors Association of Canada.

Councillor Olivia Chow, Downtown, appeared before the Policy and Finance Committee in connection with the foregoing matter.