True creative cities produce the legacy of an idea that does what funding cannot do: to foster.

A strategist is one who helps people relax into their creative skills. People won't rally unless an idea is beautiful... Everyone is hanging on every word... Amazing.

When civic leaders are in love with their cities they are listened to; they are credible.

Toronto is a city that has yet to fall in love with itself.

A city without passion is just a city of artistic events.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of my esteemed colleague and fellow poet Mr. Dennis Lee, it will be with pride and passion that I carry forward the mandate of the Poet Laureate position for the City of Toronto and its residents.

The true measure of a city is its soul. This is the restless energy that doesn't wait for political leadership.