Toronto Police Services Board announces new council and bids farewell to departing members

At the August 10, 2023 meeting, Toronto City Council appointed Councillor Jon Burnside, Councillor Lily Cheng, and Deputy Mayor Amber Morley to the Toronto Police Services Board. They will serve until December 31, 2024, or until their successors are appointed.

Councillor Jon Burnside, a resident of Ward 16 (Don Valley East) for nearly two decades, brings a wealth of experience, including ten years as a Toronto Police Service officer. He is renowned for his community leadership and dedication to underserved communities. Councillor Burnside notably initiated the creation of a free house league hockey program in Flemingdon Park, collaborating with the Toronto Police Service to operate the league, now in its 15th season.

Councillor Lily Cheng, representing Ward 18 (Willowdale), has been a community organizer for over a decade. She co-founded North York Moms and, following the tragic van attack, initiated We Love Willowdale (WLW) to support community healing. Councillor Cheng's advocacy led to the establishment of a Yonge and Sheppard EarlyON Child and Family Centre, among other accomplishments.

Councillor Amber Morley, elected in 2022, now serves as Deputy Mayor for Etobicoke. She has dedicated over 20 years to advocating for residents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore, particularly the youth, as the Director of the South Etobicoke Youth Assembly at LAMP CHC. Councillor Morley is known for championing poverty reduction, youth equity, good governance, and access to city services.

Chair Ann Morgan emphasized the Board's excitement for the diverse expertise these Council Members bring, emphasizing their commitment to engaging Torontonians in policing oversight.

Councillor Morley and Councillor Burnside will make their debut appearances at public board meetings on September 14, 2023, and October 19, 2023, respectively, where they will be ceremonially sworn in, having previously taken their oaths on August 21.

The Board expressed gratitude to departing Council Members. Councillor Frances Nunziata, appointed five times by Toronto City Council and serving most recently from January 2021 to August 2023, has been a staunch advocate for community safety, focusing on gun violence and bail reform. Councillor Vincent Crisanti, a long-serving Council Member appointed in November 2022, demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Board's mandate.

Chair Morgan thanked Councillor Nunziata and Councillor Crisanti for their professionalism, diligence, and insight, acknowledging their contributions to police oversight and effective governance.

The Toronto Police Services Board remains committed to its mission with these new appointments, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Toronto community.

(Reporting by Suman Das)