Grade 9 Integrated Canadian Experience students welcome Toronto City Councillor Dianne Saxe to campus

Grade 9 students in York’s Integrated Canadian Experience program were delighted to welcome Toronto City Councillor Dianne Saxe (University-Rosedale) to campus for a Q and A session on February 17. The program nurtures citizenship by asking students to research a local issue and ask their city councillor for action. Eight of the students wrote to Councillor Saxe, who said that these were the most well-researched letters she’s ever received.
During her visit, Councillor Saxe answered questions on a variety of topics that included: the TTC; vacant commercial buildings; snow removal, construction’s impact on traffic; and antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination and hate. Our students are invested in the health of our city.

Students also gained new insights into the responsibilities and workloads of city councillors. Councillor Saxe explained that in addition to attending city council meetings, she sits on numerous committees and boards, and regularly collaborates with other councillors, residents’ groups and city staff. Because city council meetings typically have 200 items on the agenda, prior to the meeting it’s essential for councillors to thoroughly research and understand the issues that impact their constituents.

The students were surprised and happy to learn about Councillor Saxe’s York School connection. Her son graduated from York in 2000! After her Q&A, Councillor Saxe made her way down to our Hamilton Hall where she found the photo of her son’s graduating class – York’s first!

We’d like to thank Councillor Saxe for taking time out of her busy schedule to help us gain a deeper understanding of civic issues and the work of our representatives at city council.
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