Podcasts about toronto association

Liberal Leader Mark Carney says Paul Chiang's comments suggesting people turn a Conservative candidate over to the Chinese consulate to collect a bounty are 'deeply offensive,' but that Chiang will remain as the Liberal candidate in Markham-Unionville. The Power Panel and Toronto Association for Democracy in China co-chair Cheuk Kwan react to Carney's defence of Chiang. Plus, TheWrit.ca's Éric Grenier analyzes how the Liberal polling lead in CBC's Poll Tracker has grown after a week on the campaign trail. 

Our second part of a conversation with Christopher (Chris) Black -- a Canadian attorney-activist, writer, author, community organizer and poet.  Chris Black is a member of the Bar Association of the International Criminal Court and acted as the lead defense counsel before the ICC for Rwanda, later defending Rwanda's General Augustin Ndiniliyimana against dozens of genocide charges leading to his acquittal. He was among the first lawyers to lay war crime charges against NATO for its attack on Yugoslavia, and served as vice-chair of the International Committee for the Defense of Slobadan Milosevic. Other crimes Chris laid down on behalf of the ICC include charges against Rwandan president Paul Kagame on behalf of Congolese groups, and charges against NATO for its invasion of Libya. Chris is currently an executive member of the Canadian Peace Council and Toronto Association for Peace and Solidarity. Chris' articles appear in the Near Eastern Outlook, Global Research and other outlets. He is the author of the novel "Beneath the Clouds: The Struggle for Truth and Justice Can Turn Deadly" and a collection of poems "From a Passing Stranger? He holds a degree in psychology from McMaster University in Ontario and received a law degree, specializing in international law, from York University.  His website is Christopher-Black.com

Christopher (Chris) Black is a Canadian attorney-activist, writer, author, community organizer and poet.  He is a member of the Bar Association of the International Criminal Court and acted as the lead defense counsel before the ICC for Rwanda, later defending Rwanda's General Augustin Ndiniliyimana against dozens of genocide charges leading to his acquittal. He was among the first lawyers to lay war crime charges against NATO for its attack on Yugoslavia, and served as vice-chair of the International Committee for the Defense of Slobadan Milosevic. Other crimes Chris laid down on behalf of the ICC include charges against Rwandan president Paul Kagame on behalf of Congolese groups, and charges against NATO for its invasion of Libya. Chris is currently an executive member of the Canadian Peace Council and Toronto Association for Peace and Solidarity. Chris' articles appear in the Near Eastern Outlook, Global Research and other outlets. He is the author of the novel "Beneath the Clouds: The Struggle for Truth and Justice Can Turn Deadly" and a collection of poems "From a Passing Stranger? He holds a degree in psychology from McMaster University in Ontario and received a law degree, specializing in international law, from York University.  His website is Christopher-Black.com

We have at least 2 Senators in Canada who have questionable ties to the Chinese government, and how are rumoured to be some of the names mentioned in the NSICOP report on foreign interference. So if that's the case, why is a group of concerned activists warning the federal government to approach this investigation with a level of caution? Alex Pierson had the same question, so we went to the source. She speaks with Cheuk Kwan, the co-chair of the Toronto Association for Democracy in Canada about why he and his colleagues and associates in other organizations wrote this letter to the Foreign Interference Commissioner, and what it really means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Pierson speaks with John Kiru, Executive Director of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's growing frustration. Pro democracy groups and Chinese Diaspora groups are getting together because nothing has been done to push back against Chinese Interference. They are launching a petition to push the inquiry through. Alex Pierson speaks with Chuek Kwan, Co Chair of Toronto Association for Democracy in China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chinese Canadians want an actual inquiry and to be taken seriously. They aren't getting that treatment. Host Alex Pierson speaks with Cheuk Kwan, Co Chair of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China about David Johnston's report. There's a ton of incomplete information in his report and tons of Canadians are living in fear now. They want answers. Eight months since the first allegations came into place; nothing has changed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Alex Pierson speaks with John Kiru, executive director of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Olivia Chow faces critism over meeting with China-aligned group, her supporter defends it as a 'necessary evil' for engaging Chinese immigrants, while others urge caution before jumping to conclusions. Host, Alex Pierson speaks with Cheuk Kwan, Co-Chair of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, about Chow accepting a gift from an organization that's known for its alignment within the Chinese Government, leaving many eyebrows raised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby Znaimer is joined by Lisa Raitt, Former Deputy Leader of Conservative Party of Canada, George Smitherman, former Ontario Liberal MPP for Toronto Centre who also served as a health minister and deputy Premier and Peggy Nash, the former New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for the Parkdale—High Park electoral district in Toronto. Today: The province has passed the controversial Bill 60 that expands surgeries in private care clinics. Meanwhile, Ottawa has expelled Toronto-based Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei and in a tit for tat response, Beijing expelled Canadian diplomat  Jennifer Lynn Lalonde from Canada's consulate HQ in Shanghai. And, Ottawa is also organizing a list of names of foreign labs and universities that pose a risk to Canada's national security.  ---- CHINA-OTTAWA TENSIONS ESCALATE AS BOTH COUNTRIES EXPEL DIPLOMATS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Charles Burton,  Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and expert on Canada-China relations,  Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, and Dr. Jeremy Paltiel, Professor of Politics, government and foreign policies of Asia (China and Japan) at Carleton University.  Tensions continue to escalate between Ottawa and Beijing as Trudeau's government decided to expel Toronto-based Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei after a CSIS report revealed that Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family were targeted by the Chinese. As a response, China is sending our very own diplomat Jennifer Lynn Lalonde from the consulate in Shanghai. Meanwhile, the government is drafting a list of foreign labs and universities that pose a threat to Canada's national security. So, where does it all go from here? And what must be done in order for Canada and China's frosty relationship to improve?  Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

U.S. President Joe Biden wrapped up his visit to Ottawa with a strong pitch for creating even closer ties between Canada and the United States. ‘The West Block' host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to David Cohen, U.S. Ambassador to Canada, to find out what that future looks like in real terms. As allegations of Chinese election interference continue to dominate headlines, many in the Chinese Canadian community say this has been a problem they have warned about for years. ‘The West Block' host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Cheuk Kwan, co-chair of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, and Joanna Chiu, reporter for The Toronto Star and author of ‘China Unbound' about just how pervasive China's meddling is in Canada.

Cheuk Kwan, former chair of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China; Ketty Nivyabandi, Amnesty International Canada; Nik Nanos, Nanos Research; John Vennavally-Rao, CTV News; Greg MacEachern, Liberal Strategist; Laryssa Waler, GT & Co.; Anne McGrath, NDP National Director; Rachel Aiello, CTV News; and Susan Delacourt, the Toronto Star.

Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine, David Cravit, Chief Membership Officer of CARP, and Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP. Today: We begin by doing a recap of the Zoomers who won BIG during last night's Grammy Awards including Willie Nelson who won best country album. Meanwhile, here at home, the province is looking into increasing fines for long-term care homes that do not have AC in all residents' rooms. The max. fine would be $25,000 if they choose to increase it. And, this Tuesday, Ottawa is set to meet with the country's premiers to discuss a healthcare funding deal. What will come out of that?  Our panel has the latest. ---- WHAT IS UP WITH THAT CHINESE SURVEILLANCE BALLOON Jane Brown is now joined by Charles Burton, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and expert on Canada-China relations as well as  Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China. The latest reason for Canada and the U.S.'s escalating tensions with China? A Chinese surveillance balloon. So, first of all, what exactly do we know about this balloon so far? And, how did it cross into both Canadian and American air space? finally, what implications does it have on our already strained relationship with China? The Americans eventually shot down the balloon over the Atlantic Ocean. And there was apparently a second balloon spotted over Latin America. Our experts weigh in on the latest. ---- THE FUTURE OF THE OSGOODE HALL TREES Jane Brown is now joined by Steve Munro, a Toronto transit advocate. Metrolinx's planned removal of the trees at Osgoode Hall in downtown Toronto is being stalled until at least February 10. Advocates have been visibly showing their concern over the future of this greenspace and Steve explains how it's all being handled in the courts. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

ZOOMER SQUAD - Medical Assistance In Dying, Masking Amid Flu Season and more. Libby Znaimer is joined by David Cravit, Vice President of Zoomer Media and Chief Membership Officer at CARP; Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP; and John Wright, Executive Vice President at Maru Public Opinion, to discuss medical assistance in dying, masking amid the influenza season and more. THE EGLINTON CROSSTOWN LRT DEBACLE It's been called everything from a boondoggle, to a debacle…to a disaster. And while Mayor John Tory and provincial transportation minister are urging Torontonians to continue being patient, two city councillors are demanding a public inquiry into years-delayed and over budget Eglinton Crosstown LRT construction. Libby Znaimer is joined by Ward 12 Toronto-St. Paul's Councillor Josh Matlow; Ward 8 Eglinton-Lawrence Councillor Mike Colle; and Maureen Sirois, Chair of the Eglinton Way BIA and President at Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Jon Erlichman, BNN Bloomberg; Rachel Bendayan, Liberal MP; Adam Chambers, Conservative MP; Daniel Blaikie, NDP MP; Naureen Rizvi, Cheuk Kwan, Toronto Association fro Democracy in China; Genevieve Beauchemin, CTV News; Bob Fife, the Globe and Mail; Fatima Syed, The Narwhal; Louise Blais, former Canadian Ambassador to the U.N.; Max Fawcett, National Observer; and Shannon Phillips, Alberta NDP MLA. 

Marissa Lennox is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China. Today: Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly delivered a speech today outlining Ottawa's new Indo-Pacific strategy. Ottawa will continue to maintain trade ties with China since the country is the second largest economy in the world, but as the speech outlined, the government is now seeking to diversify its trade relationships with countries in the region like India due to China's record on human rights, the reality that it ignores trade and investment rules and doesn't share the same values as Canada. Cheuk weighs in on the latest. ---- SHORTAGE OF ANTIBIOTICS AT PHARMACIES Marissa Lennox is now joined by Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association. In the news: Ontario pharmacies are facing a supply shortage of antibiotics that is used to help treat kids with bacterial infections and the finger of blame is being pointed towards a rise in respiratory illnesses going around. Amoxicillin is one of the most common of the drugs facing a shortage. Justin reacts to the latest. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

This episode of the Designing a Humane Future podcast is dedicated to small businesses - to exploring the future of our Main Street shops and understanding ways to ensure they can continue to be part of our communities and our lives now and looking ahead. In this episode, we explore possible future trends and learn from those involved in running and championing small business every day. We'll look at the challenges facing small businesses and some of the solutions that are helping them to navigate the uncertainties now and that can allow them to thrive into the future. Learn more about those interviewed by visiting the following links (in order of appearance): Judy Morgan
 Judy Morgan Consulting

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-morgan-7b47992 Anita Agrawal 
 Co-author, “Out of Control”, Commercial Rent Report, February 2022 https://betterwayalliance.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BWA_Out-of-Control_-Why-Small-Businesses-Need-Urgent-Action-on-the-Commercial-Rent-Crisis.pdf CEO, Best Bargains Jewellery https://bbjw.com/ Aaron Binder
 Director, Better Way Alliance https://betterwayalliance.ca/ Chief Experience Officer, Segway Ontario https://segwayofontario.com/ Chief Experience Officer, Go Tours Canada https://www.gotourscanada.com/ John Kiru Executive Director, Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas https://www.toronto-bia.com/

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Peter J

The pandemic has been an existential threat to restaurants, cafés, and bars in cities across Canada. It's also been a financial blow to many, threatening their food security. In this episode, we look at the impact on the the business, ethics, and community of food in the city. Wine expert Krysta Oben talks about starting a new business, just as the pandemic struck. Writer, editor, and CBC Food Guide Suresh Doss talks about COVID's impact on the many different food-based communities across the GTA. Toronto Association of BIAs Executive Director John Kiru talks about plans to bring back programs to help restaurants create socially distanced outdoor dining spaces next summer, following the largely successful CaféTO and CurbTO programs last year. And Afri-Can FoodBasket Executive Director Anan Lololi talks about the legacy of food policy pioneer Wayne Roberts, as well as the need for food sovereignty in the pandemic for Black and racialized communities.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China and Gordon Houlden, Director Emeritus of the China Institute at the University of Alberta. In the news: Immigration Canada gave the green light for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's family to visit her including her husband and two children. Our panel discusses the news as our two Michaels remain imprisoned in China. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

During Faiza’s work with volunteers, she has radically shifted how she sees her role and the work of leading and engaging volunteers. Initially, she focused on the processes - ensuring that her work, the work of onboarding and managing volunteers, was systematic and thorough. But now she sees her role as an internal consultant and facilitator to help ensure that others in the organization are successfully engaging and building relationships with volunteers.  Faiza shares how the YMCA of Greater Toronto - the largest provider of childcare services in the Metro Area - has implemented this strategy. And, as she now sees that those processes and systems may actually limit or prevent volunteering, she has shifted to a more spontaneous and open process. Faiza also views her work as a type of activism - bring more people to volunteering as well as opening up roles to a more diverse population of potential volunteers. While her work at the YMCA of Greater Toronto is important, Faiza’s own story and the journey she’s taken to shift her own mindset about the work of volunteer engagement and her role is just as important. By focusing on supporting, preparing, and inspiring others to engage volunteers she has moved her role from one of execution to one of leadership. Included in this work is the need to overcome prejudices and biases. Faiza has leveled the playing field for volunteers in her organization by exploring lived experiences and discussing what’s helping and what’s getting in the way.  And this work paid off during the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic as the YMCA was able to adapt and adjust because of the groundwork Faiza had started well before the pandemic.  You can learn more about how Faiza advocates for leaders of volunteers on the CCVA webpage and you can contact her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/faizavenzant/. Guest Bio: Faiza Venzant CVA, CVRM General Manager, Volunteer Development YMCA Greater Toronto From a young age, Faiza Venzant's parents instilled a strong sense of volunteerism in herself and her two older brothers. They, as immigrants to Canada from Uganda in the early 70s made a successful transition into Canadian life with the help of many generous volunteers. A volunteer herself from a very young age, she has been a champion for volunteer engagement for the last 20 years speaking, facilitating and continually learning from others internationally.  She is currently Executive Director with the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration and General Manager, Volunteer Development at the YMCA of Greater Toronto.  Faiza maintains her CVA and CVRM certifications in the field of volunteer engagement. Faiza is an active member and volunteer of the Toronto Association for Volunteer Administrators (TAVA), Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada (VMPC),  Professional Association of Volunteer Leaders – Ontario (PAVR-O and Association for Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE.) In 2020, Faiza was the recipient of TAVA’s Innovation Award.  In 2019, she was the recipient of the inaugural IMPACT award in Canada for Exemplary Volunteer Leadership. From PAVR-O, she received the Linda Buchanan Award in 2013 and has twice received their President's Award.   For More: For more on how other leaders have re-designed their roles to evolve and empower others, check out Season 1 of the Time + Talent podcast, Episode 106: Designing a Leadership Pipeline for 23,000 Volunteers.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Charles Burton, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and expert on Canada-China relations and Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China. China has begun enforcing a new national security law in Hong Kong that criminalizes ""acts of secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign or external forces to endanger national security." Libby and our experts on China discuss the latest developments. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Cheuk Kwan, former Chair of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China and Charles Burton, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and expert on Canada-China relations. Yesterday, the BC Supreme Court ruled that Huawei Exec Meng Wanzhou's extradition proceedings will go ahead. It's a decision that will, undoubtedly, have a negative impact on Canada's relationship with China, which is already strained as it is. What challenges will this bring about in our country's efforts to secure the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, two Canadians who were detained in China a short time after Meng's arrest? And, could their treatment by Chinese authorities worsen in retaliation for the Court's ruling? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, and Charles Burton, Senior Fellow, Macdonald-Laurier Institute and expert on Canada-China relations. The extradition hearing for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou has begun this week in Vancouver and Canadian Prime Minister says no to any kind of prisoner exchange. What options does Canada have to get detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor back from China. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, Dr. Jeremy Paltiel, Professor of politics, government and foreign policies of Asia (China and Japan) at Carleton University and an expert on Canada-China relations as well as Professor Gordon Houlden, Director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta. Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the detainment of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in China. Libby and experts discuss the complicated and strained relationship between Canada and China and consider the likelihood that our citizens will be returned home any time soon. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

C Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China gives his opinion on the demonstrations and situation in Hong Kong

Libby Znaimer is joined by Charles Burton, Associate Professor of Political Science at Brock University, Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, and Matthew Bradley, Regional Security Director at International SOS, and former CIA Agent. Flights in and out of Hong Kong have resumed after two days of chaos, but now our government has issued a travel advisory telling Canadians to "exercise a high degree of caution in Hong Kong. the Chinese military is massing on the border and Foreign affairs minister Chrystia Freeland says Canadians in Hong Kong should contact the Canadian consulate there if they need help.

Robert is joined by Cheuk Kwan, former chairperson of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, to discuss the demonstrations in Hong Kong and commemoration of Liu Xiaobo.A production of LIU Public Radio. Visit us at WCWP.org

Jane Brown fills in for Libby Znaimer. She is joined by Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China and Luc Berthold, Conservative MP and Agriculture Critic. Yesterday, China suspended imports of Canadian meat on the ground that its authorities don't trust Canadian assurances about the quality of its exports. This development comes after China previously obstructed shipments of Canadian canola, peas and soybeans. This move comes on the eve of Prime Minister Trudeau's trip to the G20 in Japan. Canada has been on China's radar since Canadian authorities arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on December 1st in Vancouver at the request of the U.S.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam has apologized for a bill that would see the extradition of suspects to mainland China. The bill sparked outrage with millions of protesters taking to the streets and calling for Lam's resignation. The fear is that in addition to fugitives, this could ensnare critics of the authoritarian mainland government. Lam suspended the bill after two large demonstrations but protesters are demanding that she withdraw it completely and investigate police brutality during the demonstrations, in which riot officers used rubber bullets and tear gas, injuring at least 72. Libby speaks with Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China and Charles Burton, Associate Professor of Political Science at Brock University on the ongoing developments in Hong Kong.

Libby speaks with George Washington University Law School Professor Donald Clarke and Cheuk Kwan of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China. China has accused detained Canadian citizen Michael Kovrig of stealing state secrets, which according to the Chinese were passed on to him by the other detained Canadian, in what is likely to further ramp up tension between Ottawa and Beijing. Michael Spavor, who worked with North Korea, and former diplomat Michael Kovrig were picked up in early December, shortly after Canada arrested Huawei Technologies executive Meng Wanzhou, who faces extradition to the United States. China has repeatedly demanded Meng be released, and reacted angrily last week when Canada's government approved extradition proceedings against her. In a short statement on its microblog, the ruling Communist Party's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said Kovrig had often entered China using an ordinary passport and business visas, stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence via a contact in China. The Commission said Spavor was Kovrig's main contact and provided him with intelligence, but gave no details. While Canada says China has made no specific link between the detentions and Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt it is using the cases of the two men to pressure Canada.

Canada

A travel advisory has been updated for Canadians visiting China. The first change since before tensions between the two countries increased last month. Global Affairs still advises Canadians to

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: His Worship Mayor John Tory, Mayor for the City of Toronto John Tory is the 65th Mayor of Toronto. Born and raised in Toronto, Mayor Tory has spent his career promoting and giving back to the city he loves. As a lawyer, talk show host, businessman, Member of Provincial Parliament and Leader of the Official Opposition at Queen's Park, and finally as Mayor, he has long believed that the diversity of Toronto is its strength. As Mayor, John's focus will be on bringing the city together as One Toronto. Among Mayor Tory's top priorities are tackling transit and traffic congestion. He is focused on taking action to reduce commute times so Toronto residents can get to work on time and home to their families sooner. Mayor Tory is also getting to work on Toronto's transit crisis by getting on with the Scarborough subway and beginning work on the SmartTrack line, a 53 kilometre, 22 station surface subway that would provide all day, two way service across the city and bring needed relief to the congested Yonge subway. The early years of Mayor Tory's career were spent practicing law in Toronto, and he was later elected as a managing partner of one of Canada's biggest law firms. In the 1980's he served as Principal Secretary to Premier Bill Davis and as Associate Secretary of the Ontario Cabinet. In September 2004, Mayor Tory was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. In 2005, as PC Party Leader, Mayor Tory would serve as the Leader of the Official Opposition at Queen's Park. Mayor Tory has an extensive background in volunteer community service. He served as volunteer Chairman and Commissioner of the Canadian Football League and has chaired fundraising campaigns for St. Michael's Hospital and the United Way. He has also held leadership positions in a wide range of charitable organizations ranging from Canadian Paraplegic Association, Crimestoppers, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto Association for Community Living, the United Way, and the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund, LEAF. Mayor Tory's community work has been widely recognized. Mayor Tory was a founding Board Member and Chair of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance. He is a recipient of both the Paul Harris and Mel Osborne Awards from the Rotary and Kiwanis organizations respectively and was named a Life Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He is also the recipient of an African Canadian Achievement Award and the Harry Jerome Award. Mayor Tory was recently awarded the Order of Ontario for being a consummate champion for the Greater Toronto Region. Born on May 28, 1954, Mayor Tory is a lifelong, and long suffering, Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Mayor Tory and his wife Barbara have been married for 37 years. They raised their four children, John Jr, Chris, Susan and George in Toronto and are now delighted to have five grandchildren to spoil. Speaker: His Worship Mayor John Tory, Mayor for the City of Toronto *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

Toronto patios could face steep fees to operate under a city staff proposal. The boost in fees charged to operate sidewalk cafes and patios could lead to fewer outdoor spaces for restaurant goers to eat and drink. Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas Executive Director, John Kiru says that after meetings with city staff, he is confident they will go back to the table and reconsider.