Council

Whereas, 1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most frequently by an intimate partner; and Whereas, Worldwide, almost 750 million women and girls alive today were married before their 18th birthday; and Whereas, 1 in 2 women killed worldwide were killed by their partners or family in 2012; while only 1 out of 20 men were killed under similar circumstances; and Whereas, 71% of all human trafficking victims worldwide are women and girls, and 3 out of 4 of these women and girls are sexually exploited; and Whereas, Violence against women is as serious a cause of death and incapacity among women of reproductive age as cancer, and a greater cause of ill health than traffic accidents and malaria combined; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon raises awareness about woman abuse and acknowledges continued commitment to address woman abuse. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim November 25, 2021 as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, The first Hindu immigrants arrived in Canada in the early 20^th century and since their arrival Hindu Canadians have made significant contributions across all fields: science, education, medicine, law, politics, media, business, culture, and sports; and Whereas, November is recognized as Hindu Heritage Month across the province, providing an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the important contributions Hindu Canadians have made within our communities; and Whereas, The Hindu Heritage Celebration Foundation’s mission is to promote multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and diversity in Canada. In November, the Hindu Heritage Celebration Foundation conducts various community outreach activities to celebrate Hindu heritage and connect with diaspora to their roots. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim November 2021 as Hindu Heritage Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, People living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) routinely endure abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, internal bleeding, and frequent and urgent bowel movements—in some cases over 20 times a day. While more than 5 million people globally live with inflammatory bowel disease, Canada has one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. By 2030, experts predict the number of Canadians living with inflammatory bowel disease to exceed 400,000 – one percent of the population. Currently, there is no cure; and Whereas, Crohn's and Colitis Canada, a national, volunteer-based charity supporting the 270,000 Canadians living with inflammatory bowel disease, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack healthy tissue, leading to inflammation of all or part of the digestive system; and Whereas, Every November, Canada celebrates Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month and red is worn to show support for the initiative. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim November 2021 as Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, The Town of Caledon is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting Caledon; and Whereas, Fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire; and Whereas, Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger in the event of fire in which you may have as little as 2 minutes to escape safely; and Whereas, Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half; and Whereas, Caledon residents should be sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond; and Whereas, Residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are more prepared and will therefore be more likely to survive a fire; and Whereas, Caledon residents will make sure their smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all their family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities; and Whereas, Caledon’s first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and Whereas, Caledon’s residents are responsive to public education measures and can take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; and Whereas, The 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” effectively serves to remind us it is important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 3 to 9, 2021 as Fire Prevention Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, The loss of one’s freedom due to a wrongful conviction has far-reaching effects. It affects the innocent person’s quality of life as well as the quality of life for their family members and has a harmful effect on society as a whole; and Whereas, Innocence Canada is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to identifying, advocating for and assisting individuals convicted of a crime they did not commit. It seeks to prevent such injustices in the future through legal education and reforms to the justice system. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 2, 2021 as Wrongful Conviction Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, International Day of Older Persons is an occasion where all Canadians can join in celebrating older adults; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon promotes the visibility of older people as participating members of society, committed to improving the enjoyment of human rights in many areas of life and not just as those affected immediately; and Whereas, This International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to reflect on progress and challenges in ensuring full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons within the Town of Caledon; and Whereas, International Day of Older Persons recognizes the knowledge and experiences older adults pass on to us and the life-long contributions they have made and continue to make in our community; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon raises awareness on the importance of the contribution and involvement of older adults in the community. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 1, 2021 as International Day of Older Persons in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, October is RETT Syndrome Awareness Month which aims to bring much needed awareness to Rett Syndrome; and Whereas, RETT Syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental condition that affects mainly females (1 in 10,000 births) and is caused by a mutation in the X chromosome. Individuals with RETT syndrome will lose some if not most acquired skills including speech, and gross and fine motor skills. Some never develop the ability to walk or even talk; and Whereas, There is currently no cure but advancements in treatments and research provide thousands of people with hope; and Whereas, The Ontario RETT Syndrome Association (O.R.S.A) is a volunteer, non-profit charity for parents, caregivers, researchers, medical professionals and other interested support agencies and individuals; and Whereas, The Ontario Rett Syndrome Association exists to ensure that children and adults with Rett Syndrome are enabled to achieve their full potential and enjoy the highest quality of life within their community. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 2021 as RETT Syndrome Awareness Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Caledon Public Library strives to be the heart of the community by building and connecting a thriving, engaged and informed Caledon; and Whereas, Caledon Public Library empowers community connections, sparks innovation and creativity and energizes the transfer of knowledge; and Whereas, Caledon Public Library is committed to Build the Bridge to Possibilities by growing and innovating, responding to community needs, celebrating culture and inclusion, and demonstrating our value; and Whereas, Caledon Public Library has continued its efforts to serve all those who live, learn and work in Caledon, mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a wealth of virtual programs and online resources. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 2021 as Love Your Library Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Latin Americans have made significant contributions to the social, economic, and political fabric of our country; and Whereas, Parliament of Canada passed the Latin American Heritage Month Act in 2018; and Whereas, Latin American Heritage Month will be an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate the public about these contributions, and to jointly share and promote Hispanic and Latin culture and traditions with Canadians. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 2021 as Latin American Heritage Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Caribbean-Canadians have made and continue to make significant contributions, across all fields and industries, to Canada, as early as the 1700’s; and Whereas, Caribbean Women’s Society has declared the month of October as Caribbean Heritage Month to recognize, celebrate and educate the public on Caribbean culture, heritage and contributions; and Whereas, Caribbean Heritage Month will be marked by a series of cultural events and activities throughout the month of October; and Whereas, Caribbean Heritage Month will be an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Caribbean-Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Canada. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 2021 as Caribbean Heritage Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report on June 2, 2015, which included 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation; and Whereas, The recent discoveries of remains and unmarked graves across Canada have led to increased calls for all levels of government to address the recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions’ Calls to Action; and Whereas, All Canadians and all orders of government have a role to play in reconciliation; and Whereas, The Federal Government has announced September 30th, 2021, as the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt Day), in response to recommendation #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim September 30, 2021 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Show Your Local Love Day is an opportunity for staff and residents in the Town of Caledon to show their local love for Caledon; and Whereas, As the largest funder after government of human and social services, United Way Greater Toronto is always there in every neighbourhood of Caledon, to support the people and places most impacted by poverty. And this year, as the Covid-19 ravaged households across the town and our region, United Way Greater Toronto stepped up to invest in hundreds of local initiatives that provided the support and services people needed the most, including 67 projects right here in Caledon; and Whereas, As United Way Greater Toronto reboots its annual giving campaign on September 23, people in Caledon are encouraged to show their local love by learning more about the work of United Way and join workplaces and individuals across the GTA in donating to help bolster the fight against poverty. This year’s proclamation will help raise awareness about events and engagement opportunities that will take place virtually across our network of neighbourhood, community and corporate partners, so people can participate safely; and Whereas, Show Your Local Love Day 2021 will build on the success of similar proclamations last year by the Town of Caledon and municipalities across Toronto, Peel and York to support United Way’s annual campaign, which saw almost 1,000 workplaces and 425000 people mobilize to help ensure that everyone has access to the services and opportunities that can help them break the cycle of poverty and inequality. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim September 23, 2021 as Show Your Local Love Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.  

Whereas, Approximately 9000 Canadians have definitive mitochondrial disease; and Whereas, MitoCanada Foundation strives to find a cure for mitochondrial disease through the research they fund; and Whereas, There will be running, walking, and other events in honor of those who have mitochondrial diseases and cannot run or walk; and Whereas, Mitochondrial disease awareness will be achieved and many more will be educated on the disease that affects many Canadians; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon supports MitoCanada Foundation and all individuals committed to raising awareness about mitochondrial disease. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim September 19 to 25, 2021 as Mitochondrial Awareness Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.  

 

Whereas, International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized annually on August 31^st; and Whereas, The Dufferin Overdose Awareness Committee – a collaboration of concerned people and service providers in Dufferin and Caledon (including the Canadian Mental Health Association, Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services, Family Transition, Place Choices Youth Shelter, Dufferin County, Dufferin County Paramedics, Dufferin Child & Family Services, Orangeville Police, Shelburne Police, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Services and Housing In The Province and White Owl Native Ancestry Association); and Whereas, We will host an online event, generating awareness and information about overdose including safety tips, risk reduction tactics, NALOXONE myths and facts, local community resources and supports, as well as honouring the lives and sharing the stories of those community members we have lost to drug overdose; and Whereas, Sharing this information with our community will increase awareness, reduce the stigma and potentially, save lives that could be lost through overdose. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.  

Whereas, Monarch butterflies are one of the most iconic and cherished insects in North America; and Whereas, Their epic 5,000-kilometre migration from eastern Canada to the forests of central Mexico begins in late August each year; and Whereas, In 2013, the eastern population of monarch butterflies dropped by 95 per cent, the smallest recorded population since the mid-1990s; and Whereas, Since 2013, the population has rebounded, thanks in part to the collective efforts of thousands of individuals, groups and communities across Canada, but the monarch’s future remains in serious peril; and Whereas, Flight of the Monarch Day is an opportunity to celebrate the growing movement to protect monarch butterflies and the astonishing phenomenon of their migration as their epic journey southward begins. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim August 21 as Flight of the Monarch Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.  

Whereas, The Caledon Community is proud of the tremendous athletic achievements of local Caledon resident and Mayfield Secondary School graduate Ashley Lawrence, who is a key member of the Canadian Women’s Soccer Team competing for Olympic Gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim August 6 as Ashley Lawrence Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.     

Whereas, June 27, 2021 is Canadian Multicultural Day; and Whereas, Canada is a thriving diverse nation that reflects on its history in effort to strengthen its societal unity; and Whereas, Caledon recognizes the numerous cultures that its residents represent and contribute to the economical and social advancement of this municipality; and Whereas, Caledon welcomes cultural expressions that enrich our community to create thriving and inclusive neighbourhoods that treat all members of our community with equity and respect; and Whereas, Caledon remains committed to supporting our cultural diversity and inclusion through educational, historical, recreational and business opportunities for all residents. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 27 as Multicultural Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.  

Whereas, Ontario’s diverse and extensive agri-food sector supports more than 800,000 jobs- approximately one in every nine jobs across the province- and contributes more than $35 billion annually to Ontario’s GDP; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon is rich in agricultural resources that contribute to the community and the economy; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon supports the vision of the Headwaters Food and Farming Alliance to create a productive, sustainable, transparent and fair food system that supports the health and well-being of our residents and food providers while contributing to a prosperous and equitable economy; and Whereas, Local Food Week is an opportunity to celebrate Caledon’s local food producers, business owners and events which centre on local foods. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 7 to 13 as Local Food Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.  

Whereas, Every June, Canadians are invited to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous People in Canada; and Whereas,  National Indigenous History Month is a time to acknowledge the role Indigenous peoples played in the development of Canada, to honour Indigenous heritage and to celebrate Indigenous cultures; and Whereas, It is also an opportunity to reflect on the strength of present day First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, and their hopes for the future; and Whereas, Indigenous History Month provide residents of the Town of Caledon an opportunity to learn about Indigenous history, perspectives and culture, and help us build stronger relationships rooted in mutual respect and understanding; and Whereas, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day which falls on the summer solstice which has an important symbolism. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as National Indigenous History Month and June 21, 2021 as National Indigenous Peoples Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality. 

Whereas, Seniors’ Month is an annual province-wide celebration; and Whereas, Seniors have contributed and continue to contribute immensely to the life and vibrancy of this community; and Whereas, Seniors continue to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers and important and active members of this community; and Whereas, Their contributions past and present warrant appreciation and recognition and their stories deserve to be told; and Whereas, The health and well-being of seniors is in the interest of all and further adds to the health and well-being of the community; and Whereas, The knowledge and experience seniors pass on to us continues to benefit all. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Seniors Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality. 

Whereas, Recreation programs, services and parks are vital to the Town of Caledon community; and Whereas, Municipalities across Ontario are encouraged to support and recognize the importance of health and well-being and being physically active through promotion of the use of recreation programs and parks; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon provides many opportunities through programs, recreation facilities and parks for individuals and families to be physically active and enjoy the beauty of our parks and trails. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Recreation and Parks Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, June has been declared as PTSD Awareness Month each year around the world; and Whereas, It is important to recognize post traumatic stress disorder and it’s effects on individuals of all ages; and Whereas, PTSD Awareness Month urges all to seek help for those who may have PTSD requiring medical assistance. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as PTSD Awareness Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Caledon celebrates the diversity that strengthens our Town, including individuals who identify as two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and all other sexual orientations and gender identities and promotes a society where all residents can live free from discrimination; and Whereas, It remains important to recognize the essential worth of every human person and to promote the development of harmonious relationships amongst all members of the community; and Whereas, It also remains important to raise awareness of the barriers some individuals face in the areas of healthcare, public safety, employment and the recognition of family relationships; and Whereas, Pride Month in Peel is an opportunity to prevent discrimination and promote awareness and acceptance to create an inclusive society. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Pride Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Deafblindness is a unique disability that incorporates the loss of both sight and hearing. Individuals who are deafblind can live full, meaningful lives as independently as possible with the right supports in place, such as intervenor services; and Whereas, Canadian Helen Keller Centre is a not-for-profit organization that supports individuals who are deafblind to increase their independence and improve their quality of life through specialized services; and Whereas, Everyone is encouraged to help promote deafblindness by attending an awareness event and proclaiming June as National Deafblind Awareness Month in your community and for mor information visit www.deafblindnetworkontario.com. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Deafblind Awareness Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, In May 2017, the Government of Canada designated June as Italian Heritage Month; and Whereas, In recognition of the important contributions Italian-Canadians have made to Canada the month provides an opportunity to celebrate the richness of the Italian culture and to honour the history and contributions of Italian-Canadians; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon has a thriving Italian-Canadian community that has contributed towards the growth and development of our Town; and Whereas, Canadians of Italian heritage contribute to the diversity of the Town of Caledon and Italian Heritage Month gives residents the opportunity to learn about and celebrate Italian heritage and culture. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Italian Heritage Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality. 

Whereas, 15% of Ontarians live with some form of a disability and as a result there is a need for greater awareness, enhanced service delivery and opportunities for persons with disabilities; and Whereas, Approximately 10% of the Caledon population has some form of a disability; and Whereas, Individuals with disabilities are impacted daily by barriers to accessible information, independent access to facilities, to employment, transportation and accessible communication supports; and Whereas, Such barriers often impact an individual’s ability to fully participate in the community; and Whereas, National AccessAbility Week is an opportunity to celebrate accessibility and increase our efforts to achieve our goals of becoming a fully accessible community and province. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 31st to June 6th, 2021 as National AccessAbility Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality. 

Whereas, May 30 is World MS Day; and Whereas, 

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with an estimated 77,000 Canadians living with the disease; and Whereas, 2021 Campaign is called MS Connections – I Connect, We Connect (#MSConnections), to build community connections, self-connections and connections to quality care; and Whereas, The aim is to challenge common misconceptions about MS and help people understand how to provide the right support to those affected by

- Challenging social barriers and stigma that can leave people affected by MS feeling lonely and isolated

- Building communities that support and nurture people affected by MS

- Promoting self-care and healthy living with MS

- Lobbying decision makers for better services and effective treatment for people with MS.

Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 30 as World MS Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality. 

Whereas, Public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the people of the Town of Caledon; and Whereas, These infrastructure, facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers and employees at all levels of government, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving and protecting our transportation, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and Whereas, It is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders and children in the Town of Caledon to gain knowledge of and to maintain a progressive interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities; and Whereas, The year 2021 marks the 61th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association/Canadian Public Works Association; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 16 to 22, 2021 as National Public Works Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality. 

Whereas, Nursing Week celebrates the role that nurses play in the health and well-being of people in our community; and Whereas, The theme this year is #WeAnswerTheCall and was developed by CAN to showcase the many roles that nurses play in a patient’s health-care journey; and Whereas, The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario is the professional association representing Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and nursing students in Ontario, consisting of 34 Chapters, of which Peel Region is one, that act as the voice and forum for the nursing profession; and Whereas, The Peel Chapter represents over 3000 Registered Nurses in the City of Mississauga, City of Brampton and in the Town of Caledon; and Whereas, Nursing Week is an opportunity to acknowledge that nurses are an integral part of our health-care system, serving residents of all ages with skill, knowledge, caring and commitment; and Whereas, Members of the national nursing community are recognizing the hard work and dedication of nurses through such forms as awards programs and dinners, to promote the contributions of nurses in our community; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon encourages everyone to recognize the many services provided by our dedicated nurses and the tremendous contribution that they make to the health of our residents and the well-being of our community every day; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 10 to 16, 2021 as Nursing Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality. 

Whereas, All who work in Healthcare, Emergency Services and the Food Supply Chain are Essential Front-Line Workers; and Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the tremendous value of, the incredible dedication and sacrifices made by, our Essential Front-Line Workers; and Whereas, Without Essential Front -Line Workers we would not have been able to slow the spread of COVID-19 and many more would have been exposed to it and been lost; and Whereas, As a Community, we owe a debt of gratitude and a collective expression of respect to all Essential Front-Line Workers; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 3 to 7, 2021 as Front Line Essential Workers' Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is intended to draw attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every community member; and Whereas, Approximately 1 in 3 women and between 1 in 6 men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime; and Whereas, Most victims of sexual assault are under the age of 25; know the person who attacked them and do not report the crime to the police; and Whereas, Victims of sexual assault are some of the most vulnerable and silent people in society and it is now the time to ask questions to learn about the services for victims; and Whereas, We must work together to educate our community about sexual violence prevention, supporting survivors, and speaking out against harmful attitudes and actions; and Whereas, With leadership, dedication and encouragement, there is evidence that we can be successful in preventing sexual violence through increased education, awareness and community involvement; and Whereas, I urge all citizens to recognize the ongoing commitment of individuals and organizations in our community who actively engage in public and private efforts to prevent sexual violence and it’s time for all of us to start conversations, take appropriate action and support one another to create a safer environment for all. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, May is recognized as International Building Safety Month; and Whereas, Modern, regularly updated building codes and a strong system of code enforcement ensure that individuals and communities are safe in the buildings where they live, work and play; and Whereas, The level of safety of buildings in Ontario is relatively high, primarily as a result of the development of the building code, construction of buildings to conform with that code and the enforcement of that code by Municipal Building Officials; and Whereas, Each year, in observance of Building Safety Month, Municipalities of Ontario are encouraged to support the critical role their Building Departments and Building Officials play in maintaining and improving public safety, and to raise awareness of the importance of building safety; and Whereas, The Ontario Building Officials Association has developed an International Building Safety Month promotional poster to promote the profession of Building Officials; and Whereas, This council deems it appropriate to recognize the dedication and commitment of its Building Department Staff; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as International Building Safety Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, The Ontario Society of Chiropodists is a non-profit organization that was established in 1985 to represent Chiropodists across the province; and Whereas, Family Foot Care is dedicated to fostering foot health excellence and is designed to increase public awareness and information that promotes proper foot health in order to prevent costly and complicated problems; and Whereas, Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the only regulated health care providers educated exclusively in the assessment, treatment and prevention of foot disorders. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as Foot Health Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the achievements and contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage continue to make, to the growth and prosperity of Canada; and Whereas, The people of this diverse, vibrant and growing community have contributed to every aspect of life in Canada — from the arts and science to sport, business, and government; and Whereas, In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month highlighting that diversity represents one of Canada’s greatest strengths; and Whereas, This month gives Caledon residents an opportunity to learn about Asian heritage and culture; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as Asian Heritage Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Sikh Heritage Month recognizes the important contributions Sikhs have made to Caledon’s community, economic, and ethnic identity; and Whereas, During Sikh Heritage Month, Sikhs all around Canada and the world will celebrate Vaisakhi in April also known as Khalsa Day, signifying the creation of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith; and Whereas, April is an opportunity to celebrate Sikh Heritage with a number of events and celebrations being held throughout the Region of Peel; and Whereas, Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the vital role that Sikh Canadians have made to strengthen the social and cultural mosaic of our community, province and country; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as Sikh Heritage Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, An estimated 227,000 Canadians are affected by an amputation or have a limb difference; and Whereas, Amputations are often performed due to complications from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and trauma; and Whereas, Losing a limb can result in physical, spiritual and financial challenges that affect how people live their lives; and Whereas, Amputees might also experience isolation that can lead them to mental health issues; and Whereas, Limb Loss Awareness Month remind amputees and their families that they are not alone in their journey and that there is life after amputation, and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as Limb Loss Awareness Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, The Corporation of the Town of Caledon is strongly committed to a safe and healthy workplace to ensure that its workers are working safely while on the job; and Whereas, The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) established the Day of Mourning in 1983; and Whereas, The Federal and Provincial governments recognize April 28, as the Day of Mourning to provide citizens, business and municipalities the opportunity to remember and mourn workers who lost their lives or suffer from occupational injuries and disease; and Therefore, Be it resolved by the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Caledon that April 28, 2021 be recognized as the “Day of Mourning” in the Town of Caledon and that staff lower the flags to half-mast in recognition of workers who have been injured or killed on the job; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2021 as Day of Mourning in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Plastic waste can be found everywhere, land or sea or, even in the most remote places on the planet, affecting both humans and animals; and Whereas, We are currently facing global challenges. Among them the need to manage an increased amount of waste to which plastics will contribute roughly 12,000 million metric tons by 2050; and Whereas, The theme for Earth Day 2021 is 'Restore Our Earth'; and Whereas, It is essential to involve the community in the design and implementation of solutions for pressing environmental issues such as plastic pollution; and Whereas, Earth Day is an annual reminder of the constant need for environmental stewardship, commitments and sustainability efforts. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2021 as Earth Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, 12.7 million Canadian volunteers give their time to help others, contributing close to 2 billion volunteer hours per year; and Whereas, Caledon’s volunteers are young, old, families, workers, retirees, men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are collectively committed to caring about Caledon; and Whereas, The collective result of the work done by our Town’s volunteers is that Caledon is a more desirable place to live, work and play; and Whereas, Volunteers in Caledon mentor our children, support our families in need, care for our elderly, comfort our lonely, beautify our green spaces, and fundraise for our charitable organizations; and Whereas, There are a number of fundamental organizations in Caledon whose delivery of services rely on the generosity, time and energy of volunteers; and Whereas, The 2021 theme for National Volunteer Week is “The Value of One, the Power of Many” which reflects the inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 19th to 25th, 2021 as National Volunteer Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, World Autism Awareness Day was first recognized on April 2, 2016 in Canada; and Whereas, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is now recognized as the most common neurological disorder affecting more than 100,000 Ontarians, 1 in every 66 children, as well as their friends, family and community; and Whereas, ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means it not only manifests itself differently in every individual in whom it appears, but its characteristics will change over the life of each individual as well; and Whereas, Autism Ontario (formerly Autism Society Ontario) is the leading source of information and referral on autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community who since 1973, has been providing support, information and opportunities for thousands of families across the province; and Whereas, Autism Ontario is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact; and Whereas, The association and its chapters share common goals of providing information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services for the autism community; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2021 as World Autism Awareness Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, "Be A Donor" Month supports organ and tissue donor registration; and Whereas, Over 1600 people in Ontario are on the waitlist and every three days someone dies waiting for a life-saving organ transplant; and Whereas, Caledon has 10,941 registered donors which is only 30% of eligible donors in our community; and Whereas, Research shows most Ontarians support organ and tissue donation, yet just 35% of eligible Ontarians have registered their consent to donate; and Whereas, Families almost always consent to donation when there is evidence one registered their decision to donate, but in the absence of a registered donation decision, families consent only half of the time; and Whereas, Everyone is a potential organ and tissue donor, regardless of age; one organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to 75 more through the gift of tissue. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as Be A Donor Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals in 63 countries working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy; and Whereas, The Zonta Club of Brampton-Caledon, chartered in November 1974, has provided over 46 years of service to our community; and Whereas, Zonta International’s living symbol, the yellow Zonta Rose, serves as the symbol of Zonta Rosa Day, which falls on March 8 ; and Whereas, March 8 is also International Women’s Day, the global date connecting all women around the world and inspiring them to achieve their full potential; and Whereas, International Women’s Day celebrates the collective power of women past, present and future; and Whereas, Zontians worldwide honour this day by lighting a candle. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim March 8, 2021 as International Women's Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is declared for February 22, 2021; and Whereas, Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional phenomenon considered to be one of the most profitable crimes worldwide; organized crime syndicates and individual opportunists benefit from trafficking people for sexual exploitation and forced labour, the clandestine nature of human trafficking has made it hard to quantify; and Whereas, In Canada, victims of human trafficking have been Canadian citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals.” (RCMP National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), 2012; and Whereas, Human trafficking causes devastating impacts where we work, live and raise our families (particularly on the vulnerable youth who are targeted and exploited by traffickers); and Whereas, The Region of Peel has collaborated with community partners to develop a three-tier strategy to address Human Sex trafficking in our communities through intervention and education, crisis housing and supports, transitional housing and streamlined care with partner agencies; and Whereas, The Peel Anti-Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee represents over 40  support agencies and community partners that have come together to support victims and survivors through a streamlined care path and raise awareness through media campaigns, advocacy and education; and Whereas, Raising public awareness of this kind of criminal activity will serve to disrupt one of more human trafficking processes and result in reducing the number of trafficking victims; and Whereas Human Trafficking can occur in any neighbourhood including Caledon. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim February 22, 2021 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Black History Month recognizes the contributions that People of African and Caribbean descent have made to Canada, shaping its identity; and Whereas, For 2021, the theme of the Government of Canada's Black History Month campaign is “The Future is Now”, a call to action for us all to build on the legacy of those who came before us, and to recognize the transformative work that Black Canadians and their communities are doing now; and Whereas, The United Nations proclaimed 2015-2024 the Decade for people of African Descent, an important step in the international community recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected; and Whereas, Black History Month continues to provide the Town of Caledon with the opportunity to celebrate the contributions and vital role that Canadians of African descent have made to strengthen the social and cultural mosaic of our community, province and country. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim February 2021 as Black History Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month, this month provides the opportunity to raise awareness about violence against women and it's prevention, and has been recognized in Ontario since 1986; and Whereas, Statistics tell us that at least half of all women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since they have turned 16 and 67% of Canadians know a woman who has experienced physical or sexual abuse; and Whereas, Spousal violence has been consistently identified as one of the most common forms of violence against women in Canada; and Whereas, Woman abuse is not a women’s issue, it’s a human rights issue, and it affects us all, and Whereas, Together we can work to eliminate woman abuse because every woman has the fundamental right to live in safety and security. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim November 2020 as Woman Abuse Prevention Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, 1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most frequently by an intimate partner; and Whereas, Worldwide, almost 750 million women and girls alive today were married before their 18th birthday; and Whereas, 1 in 2 women killed worldwide were killed by their partners or family in 2012; while only 1 out of 20 men were killed under similar circumstances; and Whereas, 71% of all human trafficking victims worldwide are women and girls, and 3 out of 4 of these women and girls are sexually exploited; and Whereas, Violence against women is as serious a cause of death and incapacity among women of reproductive age as cancer, and a greater cause of ill health than traffic accidents and malaria combined; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon raises awareness about woman abuse and acknowledges continued commitment to address woman abuse. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim November 25, 2020 as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Simon Whitfield made history in his Olympic debut at Sydney 2000 where he became the first ever Olympic champion in men’s triathlon; and Whereas, Whitfield is proud of his Caledon roots, he champions and participates in many local events; and Whereas, Simon Whitfield earned the respect of his family, teammates and fans across the world as an outstanding leader, exceptional athlete, and model citizen as was evidenced by the outpouring support over his career; and Whereas, Simon Whitfield was inducted into Canada’s Class of 2019 Olympic Hall of Fame on October 23, 2019 in Toronto, becoming a true icon and leader to the countless aspiring athletes. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim November 23, 2020 as Simon Whitfield Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Canada has entered a new period of reconciliation with its Indigenous People, following the released recommendations of Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and Whereas, Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements, such as land purchases by the Crown signed between 1781 and 1930; and Whereas, Treaties are the legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments; and Whereas, Treaties Recognition Week is one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, it reflects Ontario’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners, creating a better future for everyone in the province; and Whereas, Ontario is working with Indigenous partners to enhance the provincial education curriculum in order to support mandatory learning about residential schools, the legacy of colonialism and the rights and responsibilities we all have to each other as treaty people; and Whereas, A Political Accord was signed with the Chiefs of Ontario in August 2015 to guide the relationship between First Nations and the province. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim November 2 to 8, 2020 as Treaties Recognition Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, People living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) routinely endure abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, internal bleeding, and frequent and urgent bowel movements—in some cases over 20 times a day. While more than 5 million people globally live with inflammatory bowel disease, Canada has one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. By 2030, experts predict the number of Canadians living with inflammatory bowel disease to exceed 400,000 – one percent of the population. Currently, there is no cure; and Whereas, Crohn's and Colitis Canada, a national, volunteer-based charity supporting the 270,000 Canadians living with inflammatory bowel disease, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack healthy tissue, leading to inflammation of all or part of the digestive system; and Whereas, Every November, Canada celebrates Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month and red is worn to show support for the initiative. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim November 2020 as Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, October is RETT Syndrome Awareness Month which aims to bring much needed awareness to Rett Syndrome; and Whereas, RETT Syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental condition that affects mainly females (1 in 10,000 births) and is caused by a mutation in the X chromosome. Individuals with RETT syndrome will lose some if not most acquired skills including speech, and gross and fine motor skills. Some never develop the ability to walk or even talk; and Whereas, There is currently no cure but advancements in treatments and research provide thousands of people with hope; and Whereas, The Ontario RETT Syndrome Association (O.R.S.A) is a volunteer, non-profit charity for parents, caregivers, researchers, medical professionals and other interested support agencies and individuals; and Whereas, The Ontario Rett Syndrome Association exists to ensure that children and adults with Rett Syndrome are enabled to achieve their full potential and enjoy the highest quality of life within their community. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 2020 as RETT Syndrome Awareness Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Caledon Public Library connects people, materials and culture to build and sustain a diverse and vibrant community; and Whereas, Caledon Public Library engages the people of Caledon with services, spaces and resources to enrich their lives and the life of our community; and Whereas, Caledon Public Library creates a welcoming environment for everyone to celebrate the joy of literacy, learning, creating, communicating and cultural exchange; and Whereas,  Caledon Public Library has continued its efforts to connect residents, mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a wealth of virtual programs and online resources. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 2020 as Love Your Library Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, The Town of Caledon is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting Caledon; and Whereas, Fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire; and Whereas, Cooking and unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the Town of Caledon; and Whereas, More than half of reported non-fatal home cooking fire injuries occurred when the victims tried to fight the fire themselves; and Whereas, Children under five face a higher risk of non-fire burns associated with cooking than being burned in a cooking fire; and Whereas, Caledon’s residents should stay in the kitchen when frying food on the stovetop, keep a three-foot kid-free zone around cooking areas and keep anything that can catch fire away from stove tops; and Whereas, Residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are more prepared and will therefore be more likely to survive a fire; and Whereas, Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half; and Whereas, Caledon’s first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and Whereas, Caledon’s residents are responsive to public education measures and can take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; and Whereas, The 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” effectively serves to remind us to stay alert and use caution when cooking to reduce the risk of kitchen fires. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 4 to 10, 2020 as Fire Prevention Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Years of research confirm the benefits of high quality child care for young children’s intellectual, emotional, social and physical development and later life outcomes; and Whereas, Child care promotes the well-being of children and responds to the needs of parents, families and the broader community by supporting quality of life so that citizens can fully participate in and contribute to the economic and social life of their community; and Whereas, Trained and knowledgeable Early Childhood Educators and child care staff are the key to quality child care programs and champions for children. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 22, 2020 as Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Caribbean-Canadians have made and continue to make significant contributions, across all fields and industries, to Canada, as early as the 1700’s; and Whereas, Caribbean Women’s Society has declared the month of October as Caribbean Heritage Month to recognize, celebrate and educate the public on Caribbean culture, heritage and contributions; and Whereas, Caribbean Heritage Month will be marked by a series of cultural events and activities throughout the month of October; and Whereas, Caribbean Heritage Month will be an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Caribbean-Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Canada. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim October 2020 as Caribbean Heritage Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Show Your Local Love Day is an opportunity for staff and residents in the Town of Caledon to show their local love for Caledon; and Whereas, As the largest funder after government of human and social services, United Way Greater Toronto is always there in every neighbourhood of Caledon, to support the people and places most impacted by poverty. And this year, as the Covid-19 ravaged households across the town and our region, United Way Greater Toronto stepped up to invest in hundreds of local initiatives that provided the support and services people needed the most, including 67 projects right here in Caledon; and Whereas, As United Way Greater Toronto reboots its annual giving campaign on September 25, people in Caledon are encouraged to show their local love by learning more about the work of United Way and join workplaces and individuals across the GTA in donating to help bolster the fight against poverty. This year’s proclamation will help raise awareness about events and engagement opportunities that will take place virtually across our network of neighbourhood, community and corporate partners, so people can participate safely; and Whereas, Show Your Local Love Day 2020 will build on the success of similar proclamations last year by the Town of Caledon and municipalities across Toronto, Peel and York to support United Way’s annual campaign, which saw almost 1,000 workplaces and 425000 people mobilize to help ensure that everyone has access to the services and opportunities that can help them break the cycle of poverty and inequality. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim September 25th, 2020 as Show Your Local Love Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Approximately 9000 Canadians have definitive mitochondrial disease; and Whereas, MitoCanada Foundation strives to find a cure for mitochondrial disease through the research they fund; and Whereas, There will be running, walking, and other events in honor of those who have mitochondrial diseases and cannot run or walk; and Whereas, Mitochondrial disease awareness will be achieved and many more will be educated on the disease that affects many Canadians; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon supports MitoCanada Foundation and all individuals committed to raising awareness about mitochondrial disease. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim September 13th to 19th, 2020 as Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized annually on August 31^st; and Whereas, Family Transition Place – one of several community agency members that make up the Dufferin Overdose Awareness Committee – a collaboration of concerned people and service providers in Dufferin and Caledon (including the Canadian Mental Health Association, Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services, Choices Youth Shelter, Dufferin County, Dufferin County Paramedics, Dufferin Child & Family Services, Orangeville Police, Shelburne Police, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Services and Housing In The Province and White Owl Native Ancestry Association); and Whereas, We will host an online event, generating awareness and information about overdose including safety tips, risk reduction tactics, NALOXONE myths and facts, local community resources and supports, as well as honouring the lives and sharing the stories of those community members we have lost to drug overdose; and Whereas, Sharing this information with our community will increase awareness, reduce the stigma and potentially, save lives that could be lost through overdose. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Monarch butterflies are one of the most iconic and cherished insects in North America; and Whereas, Their epic 5,000-kilometre migration from eastern Canada to the forests of central Mexico begins in late August each year; and Whereas, In 2013, the eastern population of monarch butterflies dropped by 95 per cent, the smallest recorded population since the mid-1990s; and Whereas, Since 2013, the population has rebounded, thanks in part to the collective efforts of thousands of individuals, groups and communities across Canada, but the monarch’s future remains in serious peril; and Whereas, Flight of the Monarch Day is an opportunity to celebrate the growing movement to protect monarch butterflies and the astonishing phenomenon of their migration as their epic journey southward begins. Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim August 22 as Flight of the Monarch Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Caledon celebrates the diversity that strengthens our Town, including individuals who identify as two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and all other sexual orientations and gender identities and promotes a society where all residents can live free from discrimination; and Whereas, It remains important to recognize the essential worth of every human person and to promote the development of harmonious relationships amongst all members of the community; and Whereas, It also remains important to raise awareness of the barriers some individuals face in the areas of healthcare, public safety, employment and the recognition of family relationships; and Whereas, Pride Month in Peel is an opportunity to prevent discrimination and promote awareness and acceptance to create an inclusive society; and Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim July 2020 as Pride Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Every June, Canadians are invited to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous People in Canada; and Whereas, National Indigenous History Month is a time to acknowledge the role Indigenous peoples played in the development of Canada, to honour Indigenous heritage and to celebrate Indigenous cultures; and Whereas, It is also an opportunity to reflect on the strength of present day First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, and their hopes for the future; and Whereas, Indigenous History Month provide residents of the Town of Caledon an opportunity to learn about Indigenous history, perspectives and culture, and help us build stronger relationships rooted in mutual respect and understanding; and Whereas June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day which falls on the summer solstice which has an important symbolism; and Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June and June 21, 2020 as National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Ontario’s diverse and extensive agri-food sector supports more than 800,000 jobs- approximately one in every nine jobs across the province- and contributes more than $35 billion annually to Ontario’s GDP; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon is rich in agricultural resources that contribute to the community and the economy; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon supports the vision of the Headwaters Food and Farming Alliance to create a productive, sustainable, transparent and fair food system that supports the health and well-being of our residents and food providers while contributing to a prosperous and equitable economy; and Whereas, Local Food Week is an opportunity to celebrate Caledon’s local food producers, business owners and events which centre on local foods; and Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 1st to 6th, 2020 as Local Food Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Recreation programs, services and parks are vital to the Town of Caledon community; and Whereas, Municipalities across Ontario are encouraged to support and recognize the importance of health and well-being and being physically active through promotion of the use of recreation programs and parks; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon provides many opportunities through programs, recreation facilities and parks for individuals and families to be physically active and enjoy the beauty of our parks and trails; and Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2020 as Recreation and Parks Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Deafblindness is a unique disability that incorporates the loss of both sight and hearing. Individuals who are deafblind can live full, meaningful lives as independently as possible with the right supports in place, such as intervenor services; and Whereas, Canadian Helen Keller Centre is a not-for-profit organization that supports individuals who are deafblind to increase their independence and improve their quality of life through specialized services; and Whereas, Everyone is encouraged to help promote deafblindness by attending an awareness event and proclaiming June as National Deafblind Awareness Month in your community and checking out the calendar of events at www.deafblindnetworkontario.com that includes flag raisings and lighting up of local landmarks in communities across Canada; and Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2020 as National Deafblind Awareness Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, In May 2017, the Government of Canada designated June as Italian Heritage Month; and Whereas, In recognition of the important contributions Italian-Canadians have made to Canada the month provides an opportunity to celebrate the richness of the Italian culture and to honour the history and contributions of Italian-Canadians; and Whereas, The Town of Caledon has a thriving Italian-Canadian community that has contributed towards the growth and development of our Town; and Whereas, Canadians of Italian heritage contribute to the diversity of the Town of Caledon and Italian Heritage Month gives residents the opportunity to learn about and celebrate Italian heritage and culture; and Now, Therefore I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2020 as Italian Heritage Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Seniors' Month is an annual province-wide celebration; and Whereas, Seniors have contributed and continue to contribute immensely to the life and vibrancy of this community; and Whereas Seniors continue to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers, and important and active members of this community; and Whereas Their contributions past and present warrant appreciation and recognition and their stories deserve to be told; and Whereas The health and well-being of seniors is in the interest of all and further adds to the health and well-being of the community; and Whereas The knowledge and experience seniors pass on to us continues to benefit all; and Now, Therefore, I Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim June 2020 as Seniors Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

 Whereas, May is recognized as International Building Safety Month; and Whereas, Modern, regularly updated building codes and a strong system of code enforcement ensure that individuals and communities are safe in the buildings where they live, work and play; and Whereas, The level of safety of buildings in Ontario is relatively high, primarily as a result of the development of the building code, construction of buildings to conform with that code and the enforcement of that code by Municipal Building Officials; and Whereas, Each year, in observance of Building Safety Month, Municipalities of Ontario are encouraged to support the critical role their Building Departments and Building Officials play in maintaining and improving public safety, and to raise awareness of the importance of building safety; and Whereas, The Ontario Building Officials Association has developed an International Building Safety Month promotional poster to promote the profession of Building Officials; and Whereas, This council deems it appropriate to recognize the dedication and commitment of its Building Department Staff; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 2020 as International Building Safety Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

 Whereas, The Ontario Society of Chiropodists is a non-profit organization that was established in 1985 to represent Chiropodists across the province; and Whereas, Family Foot Care is dedicated to fostering foot health excellence and is designed to increase public awareness and information that promotes proper foot health in order to prevent costly and complicated problems; and Whereas, Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the only regulated health care providers educated exclusively in the assessment, treatment and prevention of foot disorders. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, encourage all citizens of our community to become more aware and educated concerning proper foot health and I do hereby proclaim May 2020 as Foot Health Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is intended to draw attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every community member; and Whereas, Approximately 1 in 3 women and between 1 in 6 men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime; and Whereas, Most victims of sexual assault are under the age of 25; know the person who attacked them and do not report the crime to the police; and Whereas, Victims of sexual assault are some of the most vulnerable and silent people in society and it is now the time to ask questions to learn about the services for victims; and Whereas, We must work together to educate our community about sexual violence prevention, supporting survivors, and speaking out against harmful attitudes and actions; and Whereas, With leadership, dedication and encouragement, there is evidence that we can be successful in preventing sexual violence through increased education, awareness and community involvement; and Now, Therefore, I urge all citizens to recognize the ongoing commitment of individuals and organizations in our community who actively engage in public and private efforts to prevent sexual violence and it’s time for all of us to start conversations, take appropriate action and support one another to create a safer environment for all. I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 2020 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the achievements and contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage continue to make, to the growth and prosperity of Canada; and Whereas, The people of this diverse, vibrant and growing community have contributed to every aspect of life in Canada — from the arts and science to sport, business, and government; and Whereas, In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month highlighting that diversity represents one of Canada’s greatest strengths; and Whereas, This month gives Caledon residents an opportunity to learn about Asian heritage and culture; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 2020 as Asian Heritage Month in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, All who work in Healthcare, Emergency Services and the Food Supply Chain are Essential Front-Line Workers; and Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the tremendous value of, the incredible dedication and sacrifices made by, our Essential Front-Line Workers; and Whereas, Without Essential Front -Line Workers we would not have been able to slow the spread of COVID-19 and many more would have been exposed to it and been lost; and Whereas, As a Community, we owe a debt of gratitude and a collective expression of respect to all Essential Front-Line Workers; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 4th to 8th, 2020 as Front Line Essential Workers' Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, National Youth Week celebrates the positive contributions of our young people and promotes youth engagement; and Whereas, The fourth Annual Mayor’s Youth Summit will be held later this year with the goal of engaging Caledon’s Youth to hear their voices, show that their contributions are valued and help connect them to their community; and Whereas, Whereas, The Summit is open to all High Schools in Caledon and is designed to give our young people an opportunity to weigh in on community issues and share their vision for a future Caledon; and From the Summit we hope to gain insights on how to better understand and connect with our young citizens and to let them know their voice matters; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim May 1st to 7th, 2020 as National Youth Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, The Corporation of the Town of Caledon is strongly committed to a safe and healthy workplace to ensure that its workers are working safely while on the job; and Whereas, The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) established the Day of Mourning in 1983; and Whereas, The Federal and Provincial governments recognize April 28, as the Day of Mourning to provide citizens, business and municipalities the opportunity to remember and mourn workers who lost their lives or suffer from occupational injuries and disease; and Therefore, Be it resolved by the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Caledon that April 28, 2020 be recognized as the “Day of Mourning” in the Town of Caledon and that staff lower the flags to half-mast in recognition of workers who have been injured or killed on the job; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2020 as Day of Mourning in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, Plastic waste can be found everywhere, land or sea or, even in the most remote places on the planet, affecting both humans and animals; and Whereas, We are currently facing global challenges. Among them the need to manage an increased amount of waste to which plastics will contribute roughly 12,000 million metric tons by 2050; and Whereas, The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action and will make 50 years of Earth Day; and Whereas, It is essential to involve the community in the design and implementation of solutions for pressing environmental issues such as plastic pollution; and Whereas, Earth Day is an annual reminder of the constant need for environmental stewardship, commitments and sustainability efforts. Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2020 as Earth Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, 12.7 million Canadian volunteers give their time to help others, contributing close to 2 billion volunteer hours per year; and Whereas, Caledon’s volunteers are young, old, families, workers, retirees, men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are collectively committed to caring about Caledon; and Whereas, The collective result of the work done by our Town’s volunteers is that Caledon is a more desirable place to live, work and play; and Whereas, Volunteers in Caledon mentor our children, support our families in need, care for our elderly, comfort our lonely, beautify our green spaces, and fundraise for our charitable organizations; and Whereas, There are a number of fundamental organizations in Caledon whose delivery of services rely on the generosity, time and energy of volunteers; and Whereas, The 2020 theme for National Volunteer Week is “It’s time to applaud this country’s volunteers” which celebrates and recognizes the volunteers who work tirelessly to spur progress in their community, city and country; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 19th to 25th, 2020 as National Volunteer Week in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.

Whereas, World Autism Awareness Day was first recognized on April 2, 2016 in Canada; and Whereas, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is now recognized as the most common neurological disorder affecting more than 100,000 Ontarians, 1 in every 66 children, as well as their friends, family and community; and Whereas, ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means it not only manifests itself differently in every individual in whom it appears, but its characteristics will change over the life of each individual as well; and Whereas, Autism Ontario (formerly Autism Society Ontario) is the leading source of information and referral on autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community who since 1973, has been providing support, information and opportunities for thousands of families across the province; and Whereas, Autism Ontario is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact; and Whereas, The association and its chapters share common goals of providing information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services for the autism community; and Now, Therefore, I, Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2020 as World Autism Awareness Day in the Town of Caledon and do commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens of our municipality.