Untitled - Waterfront BIA

MAKING A DEPUTATION TO A COMMITTEE
As a part of the city’s policy of open and accessible government, the City of Toronto encourages public
participation in its decision making process.
Participation includes the opportunity for interested parties to appear at meetings of the standing
committees of Toronto City Council to speak on matters of concern.
These committees meet every four weeks to review policy and operating matters under their jurisdiction,
and their recommendations are then submitted to the council for consideration.
Well before the committee meets, contact the committee secretary in the Clerk’s Office who is
responsible for the committee you want to appear before. Tell the committee secretary that you want to
make a deputation on a particular issue on the agenda.
These points will help you make your deputation.
• Deputations are usually heard at the beginning of committee meetings.
• Committees may decide to hear deputations at specific times during their meetings.
• Each deputation is limited to five minutes to give as many people as possible the opportunity to
speak.
• Members of the committee may ask you questions.
• A written submission may be given to the committee secretary when you make your deputation, but it
not necessary. Written comments may also be given or sent without speaking to the committee.
• If an organization wishes to address a committee, one person should be chosen to represent the group.
• Translation services are available and can be arranged in advance.
• We will let you know when council makes a decision on the issue.
As a citizen, you have the right to express your opinions to your elected representatives. Your ideas could
make a difference when council discusses an important issue.
We encourage you to participate!
City Clerk’s Office general inquiries:
(416) 392-8016 Fax: (416) 392-2980 clerk@toronto.ca
For a full listing of Committee secretaries please go to:
www.toronto.ca/committees/committee_contacts.htm
Include your name, residential or business mailing address and your e-mail address so they can get in
touch with you.
This information is subject to change. For additional information, please contact the Clerk’s Office at
(416) 392-8016.
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