Appointee Biographies

GARY CRAWFORD

Gary Crawford, former City of Toronto Councillor is recognized as a respected leader and consensus builder by his former colleagues on Toronto City Council, Toronto city staff and with elected officials and staff across the province. Gary sat on numerous Boards during his 12-year tenure, including successfully leading nine City budgets as Budget Chair, Chair of TOLive and Chair of the Exhibition Place Board of Governors. As a practicing artist with a BFA degree from York University, Gary Crawford has brought a unique perspective and vision on the importance of arts and creativity in building a vibrant and world class city. Prior to his career in politics Gary spent almost 20 years in the retail food industry, as a consultant and manager in various companies, including Kitchen Table food stores and Miracle Food Mart.

JON REID

Jon Reid is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Police Association, a former Director of the Executive Board, Uniform Field Service for Toronto Police Association, and a former Detective/Sergeant for the Toronto Police Service.

DEREK VANSTONE

Derek is a licensed lawyer who serves as a trusted advisor to clients and specializes in cases which have associated regulatory, public policy issues or communications challenges. He has appeared before all levels of Ontario courts. In addition to his legal practice, Derek has served in senior roles in the Canadian federal government, serving as Chief of Staff to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He has also held senior positions with iconic Canadian firms Air Canada and Hatch Engineering. He has previously served on numerous industry and charitable Boards of Directors and is currently on the Board of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation where he serves on the Audit and Governance & Human Resources committees. Derek resides in Toronto, and he holds a B.A. and LL.B. from the University of Saskatchewan and an ICD.D. from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business.

ROBERT POIRIER

Robert Poirier holds his ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and has a 25-year career in banking, investment management and technology. He is currently a financial technology executive and serves on several corporate boards including as chair of Northern Trust Company Canada and the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority. Robert also possesses experience in the transportation sector as the former chair of the federal Toronto Port Authority including Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Robert was previously the Managing Director of the Alternative Investments division at State Street and served as a senior advisor to members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce from 1992 until 1999 where he was involved in governance practices of institutional investors and the evolution of some of Canada’s largest public sector plans.