John Tory – The Challenges Facing Toronto, September 24, 2024

John Howard Tory, OOnt KC, (born May 28, 1954) is a Canadian broadcaster, businessman, and former politician who served as the 65th mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023. John first spoke to the Whiff in March 26, 2014: Who does Toronto need in the Mayor’s office next fall?

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He attended the University of Toronto Schools and received his BA in political science from Trinity College at the University of Toronto in 1975. He received his Bachelor of Laws in 1978 from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University and was called to the bar in Ontario in 1980.

After a career as a lawyer, political strategist and businessman, Tory ran as a mayoral candidate in the 2003 Toronto municipal election and lost to David Miller. Tory was subsequently elected as Ontario Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leader from 2004 to 2009, and was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario representing Dufferin—Peel—Wellington—Grey and serving as the leader of the Opposition in Ontario from 2005 to 2007. After his resignation as PC leader in 2009, Tory became a radio talk show host on CFRB. Despite widespread speculation, Tory did not run for mayor again in 2010. He was also the volunteer chair of the non-profit group CivicAction from 2010 to 2014. In 2012, Tory was made a member of the Order of Ontario in recognition for being “a consummate champion for the Greater Toronto Region as a founding member and chair of CivicAction and chairs and volunteers on countless fundraising campaigns“.

On October 27, 2014, Tory was elected mayor of Toronto, defeating incumbent mayor Rob Ford’s brother, councillor Doug Ford and former councillor and member of Parliament (MP) Olivia Chow. On October 22, 2018, he was re-elected mayor of Toronto in the 2018 mayoral election, defeating former chief city planner Jennifer Keesmaat. He was elected to a third term as mayor on October 24, 2022, after defeating urbanist Gil Penalosa. He resigned as Mayor on Feb 17, 2023.

 

Join fellow Whiffers on Tuesday, Sep 24th to hear John give us his opinion on the state of affairs in Toronto and the province.
The reception at the RCYC begins at 6:00 pm.

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You may send an email to RSVP@Whiff-of-Grape.ca to see if any late reservation slots are still available. Please do NOT send a money transfer until directed to do so by the Treasurer.

Marie Henein LL.M., Partner, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP, October 29, 2024

An Evening with Marie Henein Ms. Marie Henein is widely recognized as one of the most prominent litigators in Canada, with extensive experience as lead counsel on high-profile criminal, civil, and regulatory cases. In addition to her broad criminal law practice, Ms. Henein’s experience includes acting as lead counsel for plaintiffs and defendants in class actions and in respect of major civil and commercial disputes. Ms. Henein has argued at all levels of court, including the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Continue reading Marie Henein LL.M., Partner, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP, October 29, 2024

Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank, November 26, 2024

Ontario is facing record-breaking food bank usage — what’s driving the surge?

Neil Hetherington joined Daily Bread Food Bank as CEO in January 2018. Neil began his career in project management at Tridel Construction, Canada’s largest condominium developer. In September 2000, he made a career change by joining Habitat for Humanity Toronto, at the time as the youngest CEO of a Habitat affiliate in the world. Continue reading Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank, November 26, 2024

Jonathan Kay, Quillette editor and podcast host, January 28, 2025

Jonathan Hillel Kay (born 1968) is a Canadian journalist. He was the editor-in-chief of The Walrus (2014–2017), and is a senior editor of Quillette. He was previously comment pages editor, columnist, and blogger for the Toronto-based Canadian daily newspaper National Post, and continues to contribute to the newspaper on a freelance basis. He is also a book author and editor, a public speaker, and a regular contributor to Commentary and the New York Post. Continue reading Jonathan Kay, Quillette editor and podcast host, January 28, 2025

Dr. Laszlo Radvanyi, President and Scientific Director, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, February 25, 2025

Dr. Laszlo Radvanyi has extensive cancer research experience in academia as well as in the pharmaceutical industry both in Canada and in the U.S. After completing his PhD in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology at the University of Toronto, Dr. Radvanyi was granted a Cancer Research Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. He then joined Sanofi Pasteur as a Senior Scientist, where he co-led a cancer vaccine antigen discovery and validation team for five years. Continue reading Dr. Laszlo Radvanyi, President and Scientific Director, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, February 25, 2025

Ronald Diebert, Founder and Director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto, March 28, 2025

Ron Deibert, (O.C., O.Ont., PhD, University of British Columbia) is Professor of Political Science, and the founder and Director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto. The Citizen Lab is an interdisciplinary laboratory focusing on research, development, and high-level strategic policy and legal engagement at the intersection of information and communication technologies, human rights, and global security. Continue reading Ronald Diebert, Founder and Director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto, March 28, 2025

Chris Fleming, Senior Metallurgical Consultant for SGS’ Metallurgy and Consulting team, April 29, 2025

SGS is pleased to announce that Chris Fleming has been awarded the Canadian Mineral Processor’s (CMP) Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is specifically intended to honor individuals who have been CIM/CMP members for at least 20 years and recognizes the outstanding contributions achieved throughout their career to the science of mineral processing. “This is a wonderful honor that the CMP has given me with their lifetime achievement award. I was just blown away when I heard the news. I am thrilled and humbled,” said Chris Fleming. Continue reading Chris Fleming, Senior Metallurgical Consultant for SGS’ Metallurgy and Consulting team, April 29, 2025

Thank you for RSVPing for the Oct Whiff@RCYC dinner

Thank you for RSVPing that you will be attending the next Toronto Whiff@RCYC meeting 6:00 PM, Tuesday, Oct 29th, 2024

Did you get the 2024 Welcome Back letter? Read it here.

To complete your RSVP : You must now make a $115  Interac Payment/pp (add $100 if you haven’t remitted annual dues) to treasurer@whiff-of-grape.ca before 1PM, Thursday Oct 24th. [ All charges are INCLUSIVE of 13% Harmonized Sales Tax.  HST Number: 87931 0019 RT 0001 ] [A PDF “cheat sheet” on how to make Interac e-Transfers to the Whiff may be downloaded from here.]

Once payment has been received,  you will be sent a final confirmation along with details regarding the RCYC and meeting protocols. Cancel before Oct 24th as per cancellation policy.

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The Whiff of Grape Social Club Inc. HST Number: 87931 0019 RT 0001 Toronto@Whiff-of-Grape.ca www.Whiff-of-grape.ca