Joe Cressy resigns politics for new job at George Brown College
Posted April 5, 2022 1:32 pm.
Last Updated April 5, 2022 6:31 pm.
Toronto Board of Health’s chair and city councillor Joe Cressy has announced his resignation to pursue a new career.
Cressy announced back in October he would not be seeking re-election in his Spadina–Fort York riding and said his next professional move would be outside elected office.
He has been a city councillor since 2014 and the chair of the board of health, overlooking the largest public health unit in Canada.
Cressy was also touted as a potential mayoral candidate in 2022 and has been praised by council members for his work in protecting the city’s most vulnerable, focusing on affordable housing, roads, public transit, and the opioid crisis.
Previously, Cressy said the past couple of years during the pandemic “have been pretty taxing” and that he wants to spend more time with family.
In a statement released online, Cressy said his final City Council meetings would be on April 6 and 7, and his last Board of Health meeting on April 11.
As for where he is going next, Cressy said he had accepted a position at George Brown College as its new Senior Vice President, External Relations, Communications, and Real Estate Development.
After nearly 8 incredible years at City Hall & on the Board of Health, I'm announcing my resignation. I've accepted a position as a Senior VP at George Brown College.
Serving at City Hall has been a privilege. Now, it's time for a new chapter. My letter: https://t.co/zSA47YEwFD
— Joe Cressy (@joe_cressy) April 5, 2022
“As one of the largest and most innovative colleges in the country, George Brown has an inspiring vision to grow their impact, their presence, and their contribution to the community,” Cressy wrote.
“It’s a dream job in the city I love.”
He said it’s time for a new adventure, “I believe deeply in the power of municipal government as a force for good. However, I also believe in entering politics, effecting change, and moving on to contribute elsewhere.”
Cressy said it’s emotional for him to leave his two roles, but it’s time for a new voice at City Hall, and in October, residents in his riding will have a chance to elect their new councillor.
RELATED: Councillor Joe Cressy won’t run for re-election in 2022, says future is ‘outside elected office’
“I’m proud of the work we were able to accomplish together over the last eight years on supervised injection, affordable and supportive housing, cycling infrastructure, refugee resettlement, new tax classes to support the arts, and especially, the gruelling but deeply rewarding work our team did on the COVID-19 vaccination campaign,” Cressy said.
However, in his farewell, Cressy said there’s still work ahead that needs to be done.
“Far too many residents remain left behind,” he said, “Younger Torontonians are being priced out of our city. One in five adults lives in poverty. For racialized communities and newcomers, it’s worse. The preventable overdose crisis continues to devastate families and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated many of these inequities.”
Cressy also thanked the residents of Spadina-Fort York, his staff, his city council colleagues, and the mayor.
Mayor John Tory thanked Cressy online Tuesday “for his dedicated service and leadership as City Councillor and the Chair of Toronto Board of Health. He has been a good partner as we navigated the city through the pandemic.”
I want to thank @joe_cressy for his dedicated service and leadership as City Councillor and the Chair of Toronto Board of Health. He has been a good partner as we navigated the city through the pandemic.
I wish him all the best in his next chapter at @GBCollege. pic.twitter.com/oZbQfo5EnS
— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 5, 2022
George Brown College said in a release Cressy will begin his new role on June 13.
The now-former councillor will focus on building partnerships and supporting the strategic direction for advancing George Brown’s commitment to city building and community development.
“Serving as a City Councillor and Chair of the Board of Health has been an absolute privilege. Now, it is time for a new grand adventure,” Cressy said.
With files from John Marchesan, Lucas Casaletto, and Mark McAllister
