Notes from Zoom meeting, Friends of Egerton Ryerson, Sunday Sept. 13
Present: Peter Wyatt, Anne Venton, Keith Hoilett, Wendy Ryerson, Bruce Weber, Oskar Hansen, Garry Tate, Suzanne Hill, Ron Stagg, Gord McNulty, Lynn McDonald, Elizabeth Trott. Rose Dyson
Chair: Rose Dyson
Recorder: Elizabeth Trott
1) Peter Wyatt reviewed the script he has developed for the programme at the Port Credit Library for Sunday, September 20, 2026 commemorating 200 years since Ryerson arrived at the river to live amongst the Indigenous. There will be a presentation that involves one person reading as Ryerson, and another serving as narrator. All of Ryerson’s contributions are direct quotes from his writings. Wendy Ryerson will direct and read the introduction to the presentation. The room needs setting up and volunteers will be welcome to help. Arrive around 1:30. At 2: 30 Rose Dyson will introduce the programme and introduce Wendy. At 3: 30 Lynn Macdonald will give closing remarks.
Discussion followed about sending out the media release, already prepared by Lynn McDonald, and how best to further advertise the upcoming event. Wendy Ryerson will bring refreshments. Ron Stagg will send a letter to Heritage Mississauga, inviting them to send a representative to the event. Bruce Weber will help with transportation for those who can meet him at the foot of King Street in downtown Toronto.
2) The letter sent to President Lachemi at TMU regarding the removal of the sign with false information about Ryerson achieved nothing. The suggestion is to try again with the new president in the new year 2027.
3) Further discussion ensued regarding the damages done to Ryerson signs and statue. A Change.org petition has been set up by Ron Stagg. It now has just under 500 signatures protesting the vilification of Egerton Ryerson and the plaque with false information on the TMU campus. Ron intends to take the matter up with Mr. Forbes, Vice-President of the University. He will also contact the National Post re: the possibility of getting an article published on the matter.
4) Ron sent a notice to the interim president of Victoria College, Dr. Robins, offering to meet with him regarding Ryerson’s contributions to education.
5) Rose read a letter to be sent to Dr. Robins, written by Ron following up on an earlier statement made by Dr. McEwen that, based on further research she was having done on Ryerson, the final report would include information on both sides of the debate regarding Ryerson’s conduct. Reference is also made to the obscure location chosen for the remounting of Ryerson’s portrait. Members will be asked to sign onto the letter.
6) Concerns were expressed about AI and the need for Friends to avoid using it. Oskar, however, emphasized that it can be useful in some cases but that it should be used judiciously.
7) The date for the next meeting is Oct. 4, 2026.