The following is a listing of proclamations for the current term of Council, from January to December 2025.
WHEREAS this month we recognize Toronto Crime Stoppers’ collaborative partnership with local communities, the media and Toronto Police Services to strengthen our shared safety.
Toronto Crime Stoppers’ effective public awareness campaigns help keep the public informed about details concerning potential criminal activity. The organization’s community outreach programs encourage the public to leave tips and anonymously report crimes in our city. Toronto Police participate in community events and bring messages about bullying, social media awareness and other topics to schools as part of the Crime Stoppers program.
The City of Toronto acknowledges with gratitude, Toronto Crime Stoppers’ valued work in helping to improve community safety for Toronto residents.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim January 2025 as “Crime Stoppers Month” in the City of Toronto.
WHEREAS during Tamil Heritage Month, we celebrate Toronto’s Tamil community. Canada is the home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world, many of whom have chosen to call Toronto home.
Tamil Heritage Month offers a valuable opportunity to learn more about the rich culture, heritage and traditions of the Tamil Canadian community.
During the month of January, Tamils around the world gather with loved ones, friends and community members to celebrate the Thai Pongal harvest festival. It is a time to give thanks for the harvest season, while looking forward with hope to a prosperous new year.
The City of Toronto acknowledges with gratitude, the Tamil community in Toronto and its cultural, economic, political and social contributions that form an important part of the City’s motto: “Diversity Our Strength.”
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim January 2025 as “Tamil Heritage Month” in the City of Toronto.
WHEREAS this week we celebrate emergency shelter and homelessness service workers and acknowledge the central role they play in delivering Toronto’s 24-hour emergency homelessness services, which include shelters, respite sites, daytime drop-in programs, and outreach.
Emergency shelter and homelessness service workers use a person-centred approach to attend to the needs of Toronto’s unhoused population with great care and compassion. Staff work together to administer 24 hour a day, seven day a week services to people who live outside, as well as those staying in 140 emergency homelessness program settings.
There continues to be unprecedented demand for shelter space in Toronto. The City of Toronto is currently providing emergency accommodations to approximately 12,000 people. Despite these ongoing pressures, shelter and homelessness service workers continue to serve the community with dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment. They work tirelessly to support vulnerable individuals in regaining stability and moving toward long-term housing.
The City of Toronto acknowledges with gratitude all emergency shelter and homelessness service workers, who provide vital services and programs to Toronto residents during this time of significant need.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim
January 20 – 26, 2025 as “Emergency Shelter and Homelessness Service Worker Appreciation Week” in the City of Toronto.
WHEREAS today we celebrate the late Honourable Lincoln Alexander, a Toronto-born human rights champion who advocated for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Lincoln Alexander was a leader and trailblazer who held many important roles in society. He used the platform he was given to speak out against the institutional and systemic racism that he experienced. His lived experiences of racism fuelled his unwavering dedication to engaging with his community, as he advocated for equal rights for everyone.
Mr. Alexander became Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament when was elected to the House of Commons in 1968. In 1979, he became the first Black Canadian to serve in the Cabinet. Following his resignation from politics in 1980, Mr. Alexander was the first Black Canadian appointed Chair of the Ontario Workers’ Compensation Board.
On September 20, 1985, Lincoln Alexander was appointed the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, becoming the first Black Canadian to serve in a vice-regal position in Canada. Part of his mandate was to fight racism, advance youth issues and advocate for seniors. His post was highly regarded and he took great pride in it. His work included fostering relationships with others by visiting hundreds of communities and schools and attending thousands of events to collaboratively further his work. In 1992, Lincoln Alexander was appointed Companion to the Order of Canada, in recognition of his outstanding contributions.
“Linc,” as he was fondly known to many, is recognized as a human rights visionary. Today, the City of Toronto is proud to honour Lincoln Alexander’s powerful legacy and his enduring impact on our city, province and country.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim January 21, 2025 as “Lincoln Alexander Day” in the City of Toronto.