March 21, 2025, 9:14pm
This week at Executive Committee, IntegrityTO delivered remarks on two critical issues: the proposed Municipal Diversity Plan for the Toronto Police Services Board, and a separate motion to appoint an unelected City Council member of Indigenous heritage.
On the first matter, we firmly argued that diversity of skill set—not identity—must guide hiring for essential services like policing. We emphasized that a merit-based approach prioritizing qualifications, experience, and competence should far outweigh considerations of race, gender, or other immutable characteristics.
On the second issue, we highlighted the serious legal and democratic concerns of granting an unelected seat on City Council. Such a move is not only undemocratic but appears to contravene the City of Toronto Act. After mounting pressure and scrutiny, the proposal was ultimately withdrawn.
In a disturbing moment that speaks volumes about the culture at City Hall, we witnessed Don Valley North Councillor Shelley Carroll was caught shopping online during the meeting—on her city-issued laptop, while deputants passionately addressed the committee. This blatant disregard for public input and professional decorum was documented on video and has since gone viral, amassing over 200,000 views and counting.