Joe Halstead

Joe Halstead is a recipient of the Order of Ontario for excellence in Public Service.

When he served as Toronto’s Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, his portfolio included attracting new businesses and investments, encouraging a positive environment for doing business and international promotion and attraction of tourism. His department ensured a high quality of life for residents through a variety of culture, arts, parks & recreational services.

Joe enjoyed a distinguished 25 year career in the Ontario Public Service where he served in five different Provincial Ministries, rising to the distinction of Assistant Deputy Minister.

Joe has lead many Government and private sector agencies, in addition to being involved with several International, National and Provincial organizations and endeavours. Notably among these are Chair of Governance Committee,Metrolinx Corporation; Chair, Ontario Place Corporation; Vice-Chair, Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games; Executive Lead, Papal Visit and World Youth Days’ Conferences, and in a volunteer capacity Chair, Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana).

Joe Halstead has served on several organizations including the Canadian Olympic Association; the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, the Toronto Raptors Foundation Board of Directors, The Premier’s Roundtable on Volunteerism; University of Toronto Council of Athletics and Recreation; Toronto Community Foundation, The Toronto Economic Development Corporation and The Lifelong Leadership Institute.

A graduate of York University, Joe was a recipient of the African Canadian Achievement Award, is listed in the National Register’s “Who’s Who”Library of Congress, USA and was listed in the inaugural edition of “Who’s Who in Black Canada”. In 2012, he was awarded The Queen’s Jubilee Medal and received the Region of York – Man of Distinction Award in 2018.