[Toronto, ON, June 04, 2026] – Community Living Toronto is pleased to welcome five new patrons to its Patron’s Council, a distinguished group of civic, business and community leaders committed to advancing inclusion and opportunity for people who have an intellectual disability and their families across Toronto.

The new Patrons are:
The Hon. Todd Smith, Vice-President, Marketing and Business Development, Candu Energy Inc.
Jim Ritchie, President and CEO, Tridel

Heather Watt, Management Consultant, Board of Director, Holland Bloorview Kids Hospital
Andrew Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Globe and Mail
Arron Barberian, Owner, Barberian’s Steak House

Established in 1998 to mark Community Living Toronto’s 50th anniversary, the Patron’s Council helps increase awareness, advance public policy and mobilize resources in support of more than 4,000 people with an intellectual disability and their families in Toronto.
As champions of inclusion and social change, members of the Patron’s Council help open doors to employment, housing, community participation, and greater understanding, while supporting Community Living Toronto’s mission of building a society where everyone belongs.
“Community Living Toronto has a long history of standing up for the rights and choices of people who have an intellectual disability,” said John Tory, Chair of Community Living Toronto’s Patron’s Council. “We’re proud to welcome these new patrons and grateful for the perspectives, networks and influence they bring. Together, we will help build a future where people with an intellectual disability are fully included in every part of community life.”
As new Patrons, they join a distinguished group of community leaders committed to influencing public policy, raising awareness, and helping remove barriers facing people who have an intellectual disability and their families.

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome these accomplished and respected leaders to our Council,” said Brad Saunders, Chief Executive Officer, Community Living Toronto. “Our patrons are champions for inclusion opening doors, strengthening partnerships and helping remove barriers that still exist. Their support will help us advance our mission of building inclusive communities where people who have an intellectual disability have the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and belong.”

“We are fortunate to welcome such exceptional leaders to our Patron’s Council,” said Stephanie Gawur, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Each Patron brings valuable experience, insight, and influence that will help strengthen our vision and ongoing efforts to create a future where people with an intellectual disability are fully included and valued.”