Toronto City Hall has issued a strict warning to its employees: no World Cup freebies. The city manager sent a memo to all municipal staff last week, reminding them that accepting gifts or benefits related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is prohibited under the city's public service bylaw.
Memo Details Restrictions
The memo, confirmed by a city spokesperson and leaked to the Toronto Sun, explicitly states that bureaucrats cannot accept tickets to matches, official events like the FIFA Fan Festival, or any access credentials, VIP packages, or hospitality packages. Even special access to receptions or events is off-limits.
Exceptions exist for staff required to attend events as part of their duties. In such cases, employees must be able to confirm they were assigned to work or provide documentation supporting their attendance for official purposes.
Background: Previous Concerns
The memo follows reports that top city officials attended big-ticket events, including the 2025 World Series. Several Sunshine List executives, including chiefs of police, fire, paramedic services, and emergency management, were confirmed at games. The city has not explained what duties they performed at the ballpark.
A freedom-of-information request revealed that Joanna Beaven-Desjardins, executive director of emergency management, worked at Rogers Centre during Games 6 and 7 of the World Series and four Taylor Swift concerts in 2024. Toronto Paramedic Services' chief and two deputies also worked at the stadium during Swift concerts or the Blue Jays' 2025 postseason.
Neither police nor fire services confirmed when their chiefs were at the venue. Toronto Fire claimed its executives don't work shifts, so the FOI request doesn't apply. Toronto Police is months late in responding. Both chiefs, Jim Jessop and Myron Demkiw, were photographed together during the World Series, with images posted on social media.
Appeals Filed
The Sun has filed appeals with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario regarding both the TFS response and TPS non-response.
City Manager's Statement
City manager Paul Johnson's memo acknowledges that many staff will work during the World Cup, including operational support, media, and emergency management. He emphasized that the guidance does not curtail these activities.
Staff may keep World Cup merchandise from city hall giveaways or FIFA-branded items provided for work. Johnson encouraged employees to enjoy the World Cup on their own time and with their own resources.
"You are welcome to participate, attend events and celebrate games during your personal time and with your own resources," Johnson wrote.
The memo aims to ensure compliance with the public service bylaw while allowing staff to share in the excitement of the global event.
