Event Summary:
The International Challenges Facing Toronto
His Worship David Miller
Mayor of Toronto
Summary by Tomislav Ivancic
January 18, 2005 – On January 18, 2005 Toronto Mayor David Miller presented a stimulating overview of the international pressures Toronto faces. The Mayor noted that Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, a fact that requires the city to have an active role across the globe. Noting that many Torontonians had relatives who were afffected by the Tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia, Mr. Miller spoke about the efforts by the city to provide assistance to the diasporic communities in Toronto and their families abroad. For example, by collecting and fundraising significant sums of money related to the tsunami disaster, the City of Toronto was able to provide donations to over humanitarian organizations in the city. The concern demonstrates the fact that these problems in far-away lands not only affect people there, but also present harsh realities to our neighbours at home.
Mr. Miller also spoke about the International Policy Framework of the Mayor Council of Toronto. Constituted in 2002, the mandate of the Council is to generate a city that is able to rival any of its urban global counterparts. The Council seeks to build Toronto into a leading research centre, a powerful economic force and a human rights capital. Mr. Miller believes that the GTA’s record of good governance, cultural plurality and environmental sensitivity has already provided an excellent groundwork for further international expansion.
“Toronto pulls the global economy through diversity… it is the third largest stock exchange in North America,” he emphasized, while accentuating the fact that Toronto must work jointly with other global capitals in order to achieve greater recognition.
“Governments around the world already look upon Toronto with respect,” he said, stressing that the key to success lies within City of Toronto itself. Highlighting Toronto’s motto “Diversity is Our Strength,” Mr. Miller deeply believes that the GTA has what it takes to become an international centre equal to a London, Geneva or New York. In a city that receives 60,000 to 80,000 immigrants a year, the realities of the world become an inevitable component of the reality of the City of Toronto.
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