WHEREAS this month we recognize Toronto Crime Stoppers and its collaborative partnership with communities, the media and Toronto Police Services to make Toronto a safer city for everyone.
Toronto Crime Stoppers offers crime prevention and awareness campaigns to alert the public to potential criminal activity. The organization takes a collaborative approach and channels resources and funds into the community it serves to help improve community safety across Toronto.
The City of Toronto acknowledges with gratitude, Toronto Crime Stoppers’ valued work in our city that prioritizes the safety of residents and neighbourhoods across the city.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim
January 2026 as “Crime Stoppers Month” in the City of Toronto.
WHEREAS this month we celebrate Tamil Heritage and the community in Toronto, which is home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world.
This month provides an opportunity to learn more about Tamil culture, heritage and traditions.
During Tamil Heritage Month, Tamils around the world gather to celebrate Thai Pongal, one of the most important festivals in the Tamil community, celebrated to give thanks for an abundant harvest.
The City of Toronto acknowledges with gratitude the cultural, economic, political and social contributions of Toronto’s Tamil community, that form part of Toronto’s motto: “Diversity Our Strength.”
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim
January 2026 as “Tamil Heritage Month” in the City of Toronto.
WHEREAS this week, we celebrate emergency shelter workers and homelessness service workers, acknowledging the central role they play in delivering Toronto’s 24-hour homelessness services including shelters, respite sites, warming centres, drop-in programs, and outreach.
Toronto’s shelter system serves a range of equity-deserving groups, including those who are unhoused, seniors, low-income households, people with disabilities, the Black community, Indigenous peoples, refugees and refugee claimants, the 2SLGBTQ+ community as well as women, and youth.
Emergency shelter and homelessness service workers carry out this essential work with resilience, professionalism, and compassion, often in complex and high-pressure environments. Their efforts help ensure that people experiencing homelessness have access to safe, dignified, and high-quality shelter, along with wrap-around supports that promote health, stability, and pathways to permanent housing. This work takes place 24 hours a day, seven days a week across approximately 100 shelter locations and in outdoor spaces throughout Toronto, in all weather conditions, and frequently under demanding circumstances.
The City of Toronto acknowledges with gratitude the valuable contributions of all emergency shelter workers and homelessness service workers in our city, who administer vital services and programs to strengthen our communities and uphold the dignity, safety and well-being of Toronto residents.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim
January 19 – 25, 2026 as “Emergency Shelter and Homelessness Service Worker Appreciation Week” in the City of Toronto.
WHEREAS today we recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and legacy of the Honourable Lincoln Alexander, a Toronto-born human rights trailblazer and champion of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Lincoln Alexander held many important roles as a community leader, the first Black Member of Parliament, the first Black Cabinet Minister and Chair of the Ontario Workers’ Compensation Board. He used his work to meaningfully engage with the community, speak out against institutional and systemic racism and promote equal rights for everyone.
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. His mandate included fighting racism, advancing youth issues and advocating for seniors. He visited hundreds of communities and schools and thousands of events in support of his work. In 1992, Lincoln Alexander’s accomplishments and contributions were recognized with the Companion to the Order of Canada.
Today, the City of Toronto is proud to honour Lincoln Alexander’s lasting impact on our city, province and country.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim
January 21, 2026 as “Lincoln Alexander Day” in the City of Toronto.