Mayor Bevilacqua leads trade mission to Israel
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Vaughan delegation to
strengthen cultural and economic opportunities
In partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, the City of Vaughan is undertaking a trade mission to Israel from Nov. 22 to Nov. 30. The mandate is to encourage job-creating trade, build alliances, pursue investments, support the growth of local companies and globally-recognized institutions taking part in this effort, and strengthen relations with Jewish and Israeli communities.
In partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, the City of Vaughan is undertaking a trade mission to Israel from Nov. 22 to Nov. 30. The mandate is to encourage job-creating trade, build alliances, pursue investments, support the growth of local companies and globally-recognized institutions taking part in this effort, and strengthen relations with Jewish and Israeli communities.
The
City’s delegation is led by Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua who is joined by Local and
Regional Councillor Linda Jackson, Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, Ward 5
Councillor Alan Shefman and City staff. Also joining the delegation are thought
leaders from the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct project representing York
University, Mackenzie Health and ventureLAB. Niagara University, which expanded
to Vaughan in January 2019, is also taking part.
In
October, Mayor Bevilacqua signed a memorandum of understanding between the
City, ventureLAB, York University and Mackenzie Health to identify
opportunities to maximize the best use of lands surrounding the site of the
Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital through a feasibility study. The goal of this
collaboration is for the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct to leverage
resources to bring healthcare, innovation and jobs to the community.
The delegation is expected to hold meetings with
government, business and community leaders in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and
Ramla. The City’s efforts will focus on promoting transformational
city-building initiatives that benefit both Israel and Vaughan. This includes
the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre – the City’s emerging downtown core and the
largest and most ambitious project in Vaughan’s history; Smart City
technologies to deliver quality public services that safeguard and elevate the
quality of life for citizens; and the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct – a
future hub of cutting-edge research, innovation and commerce in the life
sciences sector – which is anchored by the city’s first hospital.
Vaughan continues to be enriched by its active,
engaged and thriving Jewish and Israeli communities. This population represents
more than a quarter of the entire Jewish and Israeli population – and the
highest percentage of Hebrew speakers – in the Toronto Census Metropolitan
Area.
In
May, the community came together to mark Jewish Heritage Month. The City
proudly flew the flag of Israel at Vaughan City Hall during a special
flag-raising ceremony to recognize Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel Independence Day.
Celebrations like Vaughan’s annual menorah lighting ceremonies to mark Chanukah
have become much-anticipated traditions enjoyed by all people.
During
a meeting of the Committee of the Whole (2) on Sept. 24, Council approved a
staff report to undertake this mission in collaboration with the Vaughan
Chamber of Commerce. That same month,
Mayor Bevilacqua met with Galit Baram, Consul General of Israel in Toronto.
Consul General Baram’s office has been one of many important stakeholders
assisting in the planning of this trade mission. Vaughan’s Economic and
Cultural Development staff have also worked closely with the Canadian Embassy
in Israel, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the Government of Israel’s
Economic and Trade Mission to Canada, and other leaders in Vaughan’s Israeli
diaspora.
A staff report about the mission will be brought
forward to Council in the new year. The mission is consistent with the City’s
Economic Prosperity, Investment and Social Capital strategic priority, as
outlined in the Council-approved 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence
Strategic Plan.
QUOTE
“I am looking forward to leading the City of
Vaughan’s delegation to Israel in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of
Commerce. As home to one of the largest Jewish communities outside of Israel,
the City has been positively influenced by the social, cultural and economic
contributions of the Jewish people. I had the distinct
pleasure of presenting Holocaust survivor, humanitarian and author Max Eisen
with the Key to the City. Mr. Eisen is also a 2019 recipient of the Order of
Vaughan – the highest honour awarded by the City. We also share a strong and enduring relationship with the State of
Israel. The focus of our discussions with government and business leaders will
be rooted in our shared economic and cultural potential and I welcome the
opportunity to discuss our City’s unprecedented success. Today, Vaughan is home
to over 12,000 businesses that employ more than 223,000 people. Since 2010,
this city has led with an economic growth rate of four per cent – far outpacing
Ontario and Canada – and has seen the creation of more than 60,000 new jobs.
Vaughan is the place to be and this will be my message throughout this trade
mission.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- Since 1993, Vaughan has maintained an international partnership with the Israeli City of Ramla.
LEARN MORE
- Statement: Mayor Bevilacqua welcomes Galit Baram, Consul General of Israel in Toronto
- Staff Report: 2019 Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Business Mission to Israel
- 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan
- Vaughan Chamber of Commerce website
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