News:

1. Brian to Participate on Three New Committees:
   Tsunami Relief Task Force
   January 5, 2005
   A taskforce has been established to address a number of areas including: the donation of additional funds – possibly through a tax levy; developing a long term strategy working with the Immigrants and Refugees Committee; developing a twinning relationship; and the provision of City facilities for use by community groups for fundraising efforts.
   
   Truck Route Sub-Committee
   January 26, 2005
   A Truck Route Sub-Committee has been established to address issues arising from the City's Truck Route system and to make any necessary recommendations on changes. The Sub-Committee will establish guidelines and a mandate to review the following:
   1. concerns with respect to new and old truck routes
   2. removal and addition of routes
   3. signage
   The Sub-Committee will report through the Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee to Council.
   
   Via Rail Task Force
   January 26, 2005
   A Via Rail Task Force has been established to undertake the selection of a Downtown location for the erection of a rail passenger facility.
   
   
   
2. Brian has recently agreed to be the Mayor's designate on the Hamilton Utilities Corporation (HUC) Board of Directors.
   At a Committee of the Whole/Hamilton Utilities Shareholders Meeting, held on February 9, 2005, Mayor DiIanni resigned as Director of HUC and named Councillor Brian McHattie as his designate to serve as a director of the Corporation until December 31, 2005.