Letters about hiring

July 7, 2024

to Mary Madigan-Lee, "Chief People Officer" from Jutta

I am writing to you with a concern about your "Urban Fellows" program.

I have been very actively involved in City public space issues for about 40 years, based in the Dufferin Grove Park area but also elsewhere in the city. Our small public space charity has collaborated a great deal with city staff in the past. That collaboration works much better when there are good staff, so I have always paid attention when I encountered a young person who seems unusually motivated or capable or -- even better -- both.

I see that it's the same for your division -- your phone directory lists 16 full time staff whose job is "talent acquisition," plus another 82 whose job is staff recruitment. Everybody knows the city needs good staff.

So when I met a young woman with a recent Masters of Architecture and unusually broad experience in unhousing/hands-on research, and saw how she worked, I encouraged her to apply for your Urban Fellows Program. So she did.

Remarkably, when I asked her afterwards, I found that she got no reply. So not even an interview.

This is concerning, beyond this particular case. Would you be able to connect me with someone on your staff who could answer some broader questions about the city's goals with this project, and on what basis you reply to applications? I write a public-space focused newsletter in the neighbourhood, and I'd like to include this information in my next issue.

Jutta Mason

Centre for Local Research Into Public Space (CELOS)

celos.ca

cityrinks.ca

dufferinpark.ca

publicbakeovens.ca

From: Debbie Burke-Benn <Debbie.Burke-Benn@toronto.ca> Date: Wed, Jul 10, 2024 at 5:47 PM Subject: Re: Concern about your Urban Fellows program To: mail@celos.ca <mail@celos.ca> Cc: Councillor Bravo <Councillor_Bravo@toronto.ca>, Paul Johnson (City Manager) <Paul.R.Johnson@toronto.ca>, Mary Madigan-Lee <Mary.Madigan-Lee@toronto.ca>, Debbie Burke-Benn <Debbie.Burke-Benn@toronto.ca>

This message is being sent on behalf of Debbie Burke-Benn, Director, Equity & Human Rights

Good day Jutta,

Thank you for your email.

I have been asked by Mary to respond on her behalf. The Toronto Urban Fellows program is overseen by the Human Rights and Equity section, which falls under my responsibility as the Director of Equity and Human Rights.

The Toronto Urban Fellows program is a competitive program attracting national interest from graduates from a broad range Masters and PhD programs. This year we saw well over 500 applicants for only 17 positions in the program. Candidates are asked to carefully review the job posting which details key qualifications and skills as well as particular content to be outlined in the cover letter and resume. Details of the application process are outlined on the Toronto Urban Fellows webpage.

All applicants are reviewed by a screening committee here at the city to ensure the process upholds a high degree of integrity. While it is disappointing to not be selected, we encourage all unsuccessful applicants to consider reapplying in subsequent years if eligible and to consider other employment opportunities at the City of Toronto as outlined at jobs.toronto.ca.

Thank you,

Debbie

Debbie Burke-Benn (she/her)

Director, Equity and Human Rights

People and Equity Division

City of Toronto

Debbie.Burke-Benn@toronto.ca