Office of the Chairman and CEO

In the Province of Ontario, Regional Chairs are responsible for chairing Council for the province’s Regional municipalities. As head of Council, the Regional Chair acts as Chief Executive Officer of the municipal corporation, as legislated by section 225 of the Municipal Act.

Regional Council is comprised of 22 members, including the Regional Chair, Mayors from each of the nine local municipalities and twelve Regional Councillors:

• Markham: Four
• Vaughan: Four
• Richmond Hill: Two
• Newmarket: One
• Georgina: One

The Regional Chair is responsible for:

• Putting forth motions and voting on items during Committee of the Whole meetings (as is the case with all members of Regional Council, the Regional Chair has one vote as it relates to Regional issues)
• Opening and presiding over Regional Council meetings and may vote on issues in the event of a tie
• As Head of Council, can declare an emergency under section 4 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act
• Serving as an ex-officio member of all Regional Committees and acting as a member of the York Regional Police Services Board and York Net and Chief Executive Officer of the York Region Rapid Transit Board
• Under section 225 of the Municipal Act, as Head of Council, provide information and recommendations to Council on its roles to:
• Ensure that administrative policies, practices and procedures are in place to implement Council’s decisions
• Ensure the accountability and transparency of the municipality’s operations, including the activities of its senior management
• Acting as the primary spokesperson on public issues and is York Region’s representative both within and outside the municipality
• Acting as the head of the institution for the purpose of access and privacy under the Municipal Freedom of Information Protection of Privacy Act
• Upholding and promoting the purposes of the municipality
• Promoting York Region locally, nationally and internationally
• Participation in and fostering activities that enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of York Region and its residents

A listing of Regional Chair Statements are archived on york.ca/newsroom

Individuals and organizations wishing to invite the Regional Chair to an event must submit a formal request using the online form below.

Separate requests are required for congratulatory letters and greetings.

Please note, due to a busy schedule and other obligations, the Chairman is not able to accept every invitation.

Event Request Form

To request a Letter of Greeting or Congratulatory Message, please use the request form below.

The request should be submitted a minimum of four weeks ahead of the deadline.

Letter and Greeting Request Form

Letters of Greeting are issued to institutions, organizations, businesses or individuals for the following events and milestones taking place in York Region:

• Birthdays, anniversaries, retirements
• Conventions and festivals
• Region-wide sports tournaments
• Cultural celebrations
• Charity fundraising galas/events
• Significant awards programs

Letters of Greetings from the Chair are issued at the discretion of The Regional Municipality of York.

They cannot be issued for:

• Matters of political controversy, ideological or religious beliefs, or individual conviction
• Events or organizations that do not contribute to the economic, social and cultural vitality of York Region
• Anything that contravenes Regional policies or bylaws

Provincial and Federal Greetings

To request greetings from the Queen, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Lieutenant Governor or the Premier of Ontario, contact their offices directly:

• Premier of Ontario
• Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
• Prime Minister of Canada