Office of the Chief Executive

This week marks the return of MyTTC | Weekly, which was temporarily paused after the cybersecurity incident last October impacted IT functions across the organization, including the ability to send and receive TTC e-mails.

While the vast majority of affected systems are restored, IT Services staff continue their remarkable efforts to bring all remaining functions back to regular operations.

Despite the hardships that we faced in 2021, together, we achieved a great deal during a period of change and modernization unequalled in our 100-year history. In 2021, we:

• Succeeded in procuring 60 more accessible streetcars;
• Established a dedicated Innovation and Sustainability Program to reduce our environmental impact;
• Held multiple TTC Connects sessions where we focused on recruiting women into traditionally male-dominated roles, and partnered with new organizations to do outreach differently, leading to our first all-women graduating class of Operators;
• Began operations at McNicoll complex;
• Helped over 9,500 employees and customers get their vaccinations on TTC property; and
• Launched impactful education campaigns on our vehicles and at TTC locations to recognize Black History Month and Indigenous History Month.

We accomplished this and more, all while delivering a demand-responsive service to riders under the most difficult circumstances.

We closed out 2021 with the Board approving the TTC’s 2022 TTC and Wheel-Trans Operating Budgets and the 2022-2031 Capital Budget and Plan. With new and enhanced programs, our Board-approved budgets set the stage for a more modern, welcoming and inclusive TTC in 2022. My thanks to Interim CFO Josie La Vita and the Finance Department for their tireless commitment and expertise, year round.

To start off the year, we’ve launched new mandatory training for non-unionized staff entitled, TTC Respect and Dignity Policy: Complaint Process and Sexual Harassment Training. We all know that a safe, respectful and welcoming workspace allows us all to succeed. More than that, it’s what each and every one of us has the right to, whether we’re working from home, at a TTC location or on a TTC vehicle. Please be sure to complete this training by February 8, 2022. You can find the course in My Learning Assignments in MyTTC | Learning Centre.

While we continue to see increased numbers of reported COVID-19 cases in our workplace – as we do throughout the province – Safety and Environment staff continue their work with Toronto Public Health to do what we can to prevent the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant and ensure the safety of our employees and customers. If you’re coming into the workplace, complete the online screening and use the proper personal protective equipment. Please remember to stay home if you’re sick.

We did a fantastic job last year of supporting the City and public health partners with vaccinations clinics, which we’re working to organize again this winter. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage everyone to book a booster shot at your earliest opportunity and accept the vaccine that’s provided to you – either Moderna or Pfizer – both of which are safe and effective.

Stay safe, stay distanced and we’ll all see each other soon.

Richard J. Leary
Chief Executive Officer
January 14, 2022