Office of the Chief Executive

On July 29, we launched Caribbean Heritage Month at the TTC, marking a month of recognition and celebration of the contributions of Caribbean communities across our city and organization.

I want to extend thanks to the Access, Equity, and Inclusion Department, Wilson Division, and Special Events team for hosting and supporting this year's kickoff event. Events like these take significant planning, and their efforts helped create an engaging and welcoming experience for everyone who attended. I was pleased to see the energy and camaraderie on display, reflecting the strong sense of community that defines the TTC.

Later today, we will continue that celebration with the Underground Freedom Train Ride, in partnership with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. This important event honours emancipation by connecting the past with the present while recognizing the resilience of those who came before us.

As Toronto’s transit system, we not only move people, but we also carry the stories of generations of Torontonians who have built communities and shaped the city we know today. The Underground Freedom Train Ride reminds us that the hard-won freedoms of emancipation paved the way for the vibrant cultural expressions we enjoy today, including the Caribbean Carnival. I am proud that the TTC can help create these spaces for learning and reflection while connecting people to the history that makes Toronto so unique.

This weekend, more than 300 TTC employees and their families will participate in the 59th Toronto Caribbean Carnival Parade, demonstrating our pride in the diverse communities we serve. Much like Toronto itself, our strength at the TTC comes from our diversity, with many cultures, experiences, and voices coming together.

That same spirit and energy TTC staff bring to Carnival is also reflected across the Commission in how staff show up every day and your commitment and dedication to the work you do.

There’s no better example of this than the FIFA World Cup 2026™, where we came together to welcome the world, move fans and customers, and support celebrations across the city. The service and performance we delivered during the tournament were world-class.

This past Wednesday, Toronto City Council recognized the TTC’s performance during the World Cup and extended their gratitude and appreciation to all Toronto public servants who helped make the tournament a success. The Mayor, City Manager, Chair of the TTC, and other Councillors spoke highly of the quality of transit delivered and overall performance by the TTC. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. You should be immensely proud of what you all accomplished working together as One TTC.

The World Cup provided us with an opportunity to test new ways of working, pilot new technologies, and learn how to be more dynamic in the way we solve problems. We are now carrying those lessons forward and applying them to the work we do every day, starting with Carnival this weekend.

Thousands of customers will rely on the TTC to attend Carnival and other festivities across Toronto, and many TTC employees will be working to get them there safely and reliably. Thank you for everything you do to make these experiences possible.

At the TTC, we remain committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. That commitment is reflected in both the services we provide and the culture we continue to build together.

As One TTC, we are strongest when we embrace diverse perspectives and support one another. This strengthens our organization and helps us better serve the communities that rely on us.

When people feel they belong, communities thrive. That is the Toronto we all help build every day. It starts with listening and dialogue. I encourage you to continue sharing your feedback directly with me.

To everyone celebrating this weekend, I wish you a safe and enjoyable long weekend. Whether you are taking part in Carnival or spending time with family and friends, I hope you take pride in the many ways we move to the rhythm of Toronto.

With gratitude and resolve,

Mandeep S. Lali
​Chief Executive Officer
​July 31, 2026