Category Archives: Corporate

A message from Paul

A Message from the City Manager: Happy Pride Month!

It’s June and that means the start of one of Toronto’s biggest annual celebrations – Pride Month! Pride brings Torontonians together to celebrate the history, courage and diversity of Toronto’s Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer communities (2SLGBTQ+).

Last Friday, we launched the Pride festivities with Pride Toronto and raised the Progress Pride flag at City Hall. Ceremonies were also held in North York, Etobicoke and Scarborough. Don’t worry if you missed them, Pride Month celebrations continue throughout the month of June, including the annual Pride Parade on June 30. It’s always a great time when all divisions of the Toronto Public Service come together to show their pride. Registration is open now.

Since 1991, the Pride Festival in Toronto has been a vibrant celebration of Toronto’s diverse 2SLGBTQ+ communities, rooted in a long history of community advocacy. It’s also a way to bring meaningful awareness to inequities still faced by these communities. As public servants, I know many of you are putting in commendable work to advance equity and inclusion in our city – but we know there is more we can do.

Pride Month is a great reminder to explore the resources and learnings available to staff to further your understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ communities and work to remove barriers in City policies, programs and services. The Toronto for All learning intranet page is a good place to start. Staff can also use the Equity Lens Tool, which allows you conduct an equity impact analysis on policies, programs and services to identify unintended barriers that might impact Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups. The 2SLGBTQ+ Council Advisory Committee is another way we incorporate meaningful feedback and engagement from the public to identify and meet the unique needs of 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Toronto.

I want to give a special thank you to the Toronto Pride Network for organizing and supporting many of this month’s commemorations, as well as the pivotal role they play all year long as a Community of Inclusion that supports 2SLGBTQ+ employees to bring their whole selves to work, to achieve their full potential and to deliver excellent public service.

I, along with the Senior Leadership Team, want every member of the Toronto Public Service to feel safe and supported in bringing their authentic self to the workplace every single day. We’re committed to upholding our Workplace Culture theme of embracing diversity and inclusion. All City staff can help us advance these values by educating ourselves, listening to and amplifying voices of 2SLGBQTQ+ communities, demonstrating allyship and centring their perspectives into our work.

Let’s carry the spirit of Pride with us all year long to strengthen our public service and our city. Happy Pride!

Paul
(City Manager Paul Johnson)

A Message from the City Manager
DCM Corporate Services Announcement

This message is being sent to all staff on behalf of City Manager Paul Johnson. Managers and Supervisors: Please share this message with staff who do not have access to a computer at work.

I am pleased to announce that earlier today, City Council unanimously approved the appointment of David Jollimore as Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, effective December 18, 2023.

Reporting to the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services is responsible for managing the Corporate Real Estate Management, Customer Experience, Environment & Climate, Fleet Services, Technology Services and Office of the Chief Information Security Officer divisions.

Known for his commitment to business process improvement, transformation and equity initiatives, David brings more than 30 years of experience in engineering, operations, supply chain management and process improvement to the role.

David joined the City in 2014 as the Director of Business Performance Management, a position he held for three years. In 2017, he became Director, City-wide Real Estate Program. In September 2021, David became General Manager, Fleet Services, where he oversaw the provision and maintenance of more than 5,200 City vehicles, the modernization of fleet service delivery to drive significant reductions in downtime and maintenance costs and greening the City fleet to hit Net Zero targets by 2040 through the Sustainable Fleets plan.

This fall, he held rotational assignments in the role of Interim Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services.

Prior to joining the City, David held positions at Blackberry and Celestica and also ran his own consultancy business. He is a registered professional engineer with a degree from Dalhousie University (formerly the Technical University of Nova Scotia).

I would also like to acknowledge and thank Patrick Matozzo, who, along with David, assumed the role of Interim Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, while the City undertook the recruitment process.

Please join me in welcoming David to his new role.

Paul Johnson
City Manager

A Message from the City Manager:
An Historic New Deal for Toronto


This message is being sent to all staff on behalf of City Manager Paul Johnson. Managers and Supervisors: Please share this message with staff who do not have access to a computer at work.

Yesterday, after ten weeks of productive working group discussions, the City and Government of Ontario announced a new deal that will help support the future growth of this great city.

This historic deal provides generational change that will greatly improve the long-term stability and sustainability of Toronto’s finances. The funding will go towards some of our city’s most pressing needs including affordable housing, public transit and building communities.

As part of this new deal, Ontario has agreed to provide the City with up to $1.2 billion in provincial operating supports over three years and significant capital relief. Staff are now assessing the positive implications of yesterday’s announcement for the City’s 2024 operating budget and 10-year capital plan, looking specifically at how the new deal will support the City’s budget pressures in 2024 and beyond.

We look forward to our ongoing work with the Province of Ontario to move the new deal forward, and we will  continue to encourage the Government of Canada to join us to advance our shared priorities. An economically strong Toronto directly supports an economically strong Ontario and Canada.

I would like to thank City staff and leaders who worked quickly and diligently to make this new deal a reality. I know the days leading up to yesterday’s announcement were long, so I greatly appreciate your contributions and commitment to advance this important priority.

If you haven’t heard, on December 11 I’m hosting the year-end town hall where I’ll spend a bit of time talking more about the new deal.  I hope to see you there.

Paul Johnson

A Message from the City Manager

Please see the attached message from City Manager Paul Johnson.

The news of recent violence in the Middle East has been disturbing and upsetting to many staff and Torontonians, especially those from the Jewish community.

Last evening, flags were lowered to half-mast at City buildings, including Toronto Paramedic Services’ Headquarters and Service Districts. The flags will remain lowered until sunset this evening.

Our hearts are with all who have been impacted by these events. If you are struggling with this difficult situation, or are in need of support, please reach out for help, or visit the Staff Blog for more resources:

Telus Health (City of Toronto) EAP: 1-833-382-5610 or 437-880-7228

Peer Resource Team: 1-855-778-8367

Sincerely,

Bik

__________________

In the wake of the unconscionable violence that began with the attacks on Israel on Saturday, I’d like to take this opportunity to share how the City has responded, recognizing the human toll of this attack. For many, I know these events are deeply personal and may impact your loved ones here and abroad directly.

Throughout the weekend, members of the Senior Leadership reached out, and were in communications with different political, religious and community leaders.

As you may have seen, our Protocol team ensured all official flags at Toronto City Hall, Metro Hall and Civic Centres (East York, Etobicoke, York, North York, Scarborough) were lowered to half-mast on Monday morning. The flags will remain lowered until sunset this evening.

City staff worked with community leaders and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto throughout the weekend to permit a gathering at Mel Lastman Square on Monday evening, where civic leaders and members of the public had the opportunity to mourn, pray and show their support for Israelis in the wake of this violence.

Last night, between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., the Toronto sign was lit in the blue and white of the Israeli flag in solidarity with Israel and in condemnation of terrorism and hate. This sentiment was also shared on the City’s official social media channels.

Some of you, along with members of the public, expressed concern regarding protests that occurred in the community including some mentioning Nathan Phillips Square as a location. It is important to note that the City of Toronto does not provide permits for protests that take place on city-owned land. Considerable misinformation was shared on this subject; for this reason, it is important to reiterate that all people have a right to peaceful protest and when this right is violated, police are charged with maintaining order.  It is worth noting that Mayor Chow communicated over the weekend on this subject.

I want to thank our Corporate Security team and the Toronto Police Service for their hard work and commitment to every effort made to protect the safety of the public and public property.

The events over the weekend are horrendous and there are no words that can accurately express the magnitude of the devastation, destruction and loss of life. My thoughts and prayers are with those mourning the loss of loved ones and those struggling with the agony of not knowing what has happened to those who have been taken hostage.

Regards,

Paul

Paul Johnson
City Manager
City of Toronto

Corporate – News & Updates


United Way Employee Campaign 

Incentive Draws: Today is the first Incentive Draw! Make a payroll pledge of $4 or more and you could win some great prizes, including one week off with pay, gift cards and electronics. Staff with City email address can enter the draw online through your personalized UnitedWay@work donation tool. Staff without City email addresses can contact their Divisional Coordinator for Incentive Draw tickets. The next draw is on October 17.

Civic Gala: Tickets are now on sale for the 11th annual Civic Gala! Join your colleagues for a fun night out on Friday, November 3 at Union Station, all in support of a great cause. Buy tickets and learn more

ClimbUP – CN Tower Climb: It’s back! After a three-year hiatus, this signature event in support of United Way returns on October 21 and 22. Challenge yourself to climb the 1,776 steps to the top of the CN Tower. Register and learn more

Spoiler title

Toronto Public Service Week Challenge of Champions winners

Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun of earning points for their divisions during the annual Challenge of Champions competition! Staff from across the City participated to win the title for their division and take home bragging rights. (Drum roll please…!) This year’s winners are:

Overall points:

1st Place:       Customer Experience
2nd Place:      Engineering & Construction Services
3rd Place:      Strategic Public & Employee Communications

Per capita:

1st Place:       Finance & Treasury Services
2nd Place:      Internal Audit
3rd Place:      City Manager’s Office

 Employee Engagement Survey – Help build a winning culture

The countdown is on to complete the employee engagement survey. This confidential survey is your opportunity to help shape workplace culture at the City while improving your own work experience. Help us reach a meaningful participation rate by having your say at http://haveyoursay2023.worktango.com and sharing your candid feedback about what matters most.

Did you know? Everyone has an important part to play in building a positive workplace culture and a great place to work. Tell us how we’re doing by October 18.

Supports for staff following violence in the Middle East

The news out of the Middle East over the past few days following the horrific attacks against Israel and subsequent counterattacks may be difficult for many staff. Read the City Manager’s message about the City’s response. The City of Toronto stands firmly against terrorism, discrimination, and antisemitism in any form.

It’s important to take care of your mental health and to seek support if you need it. City of Toronto employees and their immediate families can access free, confidential and 24/7 support services through the City’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The City’s new EAP provider, TELUS Health, has a dedicated team of counselors and professionals who are ready to listen, provide guidance, and help you cope with the emotional and psychological toll of the horrific events. Visit the dedicated crisis response web page or call 1-844-751-2133 for immediate and confidential EAP services.

Meeting of support for Jewish staff

The Jewish Staff Network invites City staff who identify as Jewish to a meeting to provide support in light of the horrific events taking place in Israel. The virtual meeting will take place this Friday, October 13 at 10 a.m. via Webex (Meeting Number: 2631 389 9696/Password: nsV92FEVY5v). The Jewish Staff Network is a new Community of Inclusion at the City to enhance the values of the Toronto Public Service as they relate to Jewish staff, including promoting workplace equity and inclusion, educating others and fostering awareness of Jewish culture, religion, significant Jewish holidays, the Holocaust and combatting antisemitism, as well as standing against all other forms of hate. For more information, please contact Ilona.lotto@toronto.ca.

Support and healing session for Muslim Staff – new

The Muslim Staff Network invites City staff who identify as Muslim to a meeting to provide support in light of the devastating human tragedy unfolding in Israel and Gaza. It will serve as a platform for Muslim staff to be heard, acknowledged and supported. This virtual meeting will take place on Friday, October 13 at noon via Webex (Meeting Number: 2631 652 7601; Password: 4nySHTTgW48). Click here to join. The Muslim Staff Network (MSN) is a new Community of Inclusion at the City. Our focus is to provide a supportive space for Muslim staff and allies, to foster understanding and respect, while enhancing personal and professional growth. To learn more, visit Muslim Staff Network on InsideTO or contact msn@toronto.ca.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Continue your learning and share your feedback

Thank you to everyone who participated in events honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. If you attended any of these events, either virtually or in-person, please complete this short survey to help improve future events. Recordings of the corporate-wide events from September 28 will be available soon. And thank you for supporting the vendors who were onsite at City Hall – in addition to supporting Indigenous businesses and sharing culture, you helped raise nearly $500 for SickKids Foundation.

As Elders and community members shared with us, it’s important to continue educating ourselves all year round. Many resources are available year-round on the intranet and at toronto.ca/TruthReconciliationDay. Staff are reminded that mandatory training and e-learning courses are required by the Reconciliation Action Plan:

Translate Toronto.ca into more languages!

Did you know that the City’s website, toronto.ca, can now be translated into 132 languages using Google Translate? This tool can be accessed from all web pages via the Translate button in the blue footer bar at the bottom of the page. It can also be found in the upper right corner on most pages next to the Print and Share buttons.

Learning & Development

Cyber Security Awareness Month: Using strong passwords

Online accounts should always have a unique password. And no matter the account, all passwords should be created with a few cyber best practices in mind. Visit the Cyber Security Awareness Month page to learn more.

Learn about circular procurement

Are you curious about circular procurement, an approach to purchasing products and services that focuses on keeping materials in use for longer? Do you want to learn how to reduce waste and maximize resources through City of Toronto program and service delivery? Then check out the Circular Procurement Curriculum modules on ELI or join us on October 24 at 1 p.m. to learn more about the modules. Register or email Emily.Marmoreo@toronto.ca.  No previous knowledge of circular economy is required.

Events & Days of Significance

World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day, in which we spread awareness, education and promote actions to reduce stigma around mental health. Staff are encouraged to attend the World Mental Health Day Event-Living Well with Stress today at 2:30 p.m. Staff can show their support by setting their Webex background to the new “I support Workplace Mental Health” option, located in the virtual backgrounds section of Webex. Access to mental health and wellness resources are available on the City’s website and the intranet, as well as through the Employee Assistance Program.

Calling all music fans for Clamshell Radio!

On Tuesday, October 17 from noon to 12:45 p.m., join City Manager Paul Johnson and Mike Tanner, Manager, Music Sector Development, and other music lovers in the Toronto Public Service, for Clamshell Radio! Chat with fellow music lovers about the latest local artist you’re listening to, or share the shows and venues you’re keen to check out. Plus, don’t miss a Govfest sneak preview with a live musical performance by Matt Bentley from Parks, Forestry & Recreation. Attend in person at City Hall, Council Chamber or watch online.

TOnow presents: Self-Care for Caregivers

Save the date! Join the Toronto Network of Women (TOnow) on Wednesday, October 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. for a virtual panel discussion on the importance of self-care. The signature wellness event, Self-Care for Caregivers, will touch on strategies to help you prioritize self-care, so you can sustain your own mental health and maintain a healthier balance between your responsibilities and personal needs. Learn more