WHEREAS Open Source is a philosophy and practice that is revolutionizing software development.

By encouraging local and international partnerships, Open Source developers are creating free software that can be continuously updated and shared. For many software innovators, Open Source represents the future transformation of software development.

Through Open Source, communities, cities and nations around the world are presented with the opportunity to promote and actively nurture an environment of learning, collaboration and innovation.

Toronto is an important centre of global Open Source activity and home to many software developers, projects and companies. Open Source Week will bring together industry leaders, teachers and students from around the world for a full week of activities that will include workshops, seminars and presentations.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim October 24 - 30, 2009 as "Toronto Open Source Week" and join with the local and international Open Source community to encourage collaboration in the development of free software that will be beneficial to everyone.