Office of the Chief Executive

Recognizing the National Day of Mourning

Yesterday, April 28, was the National Day of Mourning – a time to commemorate those across Canada who were killed or seriously injured on the job. As a solemn tribute to those in our workforce who have died or suffered a serious injury or illness, the flags at the TTC were lowered to half-mast.

Days like these are a stark reminder of the importance of safety in the workplace. With the rise in employee assaults, we remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure your safety on the job. Every day, you show tremendous dedication and skill as you move the people of Toronto, and you should feel safe while doing so. I encourage you to review our recent Safety Notice and resources to learn more about our multifaceted approach to provide a safe work environment as well as tips on how to avoid and de-escalate conflicts.

Celebrating our employees
This week, we recognized the TTC’s best-of-the-best at the sixth annual Rewards and Recognition celebration. Dozens of employees were honoured for exceptional achievements in customer service, safety, innovation and creativity, leadership, teamwork and diversity. We also thanked 17 employees for having more than 35 years of safety on the job each. It’s this kind of exceptional service that makes the TTC a world-class transit system and workplace.

Thank you and congratulations again to everyone who was honoured, in particular Shabnum Durrani and Kyron Lewis, who were awarded the Employee of the Year award and the CEO award, respectively.

Also this week, we celebrated Administrative Professionals Day, in recognition of all the amazing administrative staff who drive our organization forward. Without your contributions and dedication, we would not be the transit system we are today. Thank you.

Mask mandate continues on TTC properties and vehicles
We continue to welcome our customers back and we have been working hard to keep customers informed about what the TTC has been doing to ensure the entire transit network is ready. As announced by the Province earlier this month, masks continue to be a requirement on public transit systems through to at least June 11. This requirement extends to TTC employees, who must wear a mask at all times while indoors or on TTC vehicles, unless actively eating or drinking, or when alone in your cubicle or office area.

Looking forward to May
This May, for the first time, the TTC will recognize Asian Heritage Month across all its properties as just one of many ways we’re celebrating the diversity that exists at our organization and building a more equitable and inclusive transit system for everyone.

Throughout the month, employees of Asian descent will share parts of their heritage with the TTC through posters, videos and employee profiles. Keep an eye out across our internal communication channels.

Richard J. Leary
Chief Executive Officer
April 29, 2022