But the question I can't seem to answer is why Ontario allowed it. To be fair, this isn't formally a provincial conference, it's being put on by Toronto's Board of Trade which no doubt has a mandate to serve industry, but it does include the Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Promotion Division, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, along with the co-chairs of Ontario's government appointed Healthy Active Kids panel. And to be fair too, "allowed" is a nonsensical word when it comes to privately organized events like this one.
But it sure is a shame.
It's a shame because just like the Board of Trade notes in its pitch to potential sponsors, sponsorship allows sponsors (which in this case is Coca-Cola) to,
"Build your brand. Raise your profile through brand exposure on site and in Board media. And make an impression at Toronto’s premier business events, including our Annual Dinner Gala, Business Excellence Awards Golf Tournaments and more.Not exactly the platform I'd want the ADM for the Ministry of Health's Health Promotion Division to help extend to Coca-Cola.
Develop powerful collaborations. Connect with respected leaders from business, professional services, government, and cultural communities."
[And just in case someone tries to make the case of needing the money and taking it where we can get it, the talk is part of a Pfizer funded series and there's also a non-nominal per person charge for all attendees]