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Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Online via MS Teams
Members Present:
Councillor Anderson (until 8:00pm)
B. Neblett (Chair)
S. DeGrace
P. Gunti
R. Hooper
K. Kassirer
S. Paguirian
A. M. Tesluk (until 7:30pm)
D. Watt
V. Wong
Absent:
L. Reyes-Grange
T. Shomar
B. Gruber
Also Present:
J. Whynot – Staff Liaison
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
1. Land Acknowledgement
B. Neblett shared a personalized land acknowledgement statement.
2. Declaration of Interest
No declaration of interest by members.
3. Review and Approval of January 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Moved by V. Wong; seconded by S. DeGrace,
That the minutes from the January 15, 2026, DAC meeting, be approved as presented.
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Carried.
4. Delegation on Expanding the Municipal Land Acknowledgement – L. Racansky
L. Racansky shared a delegation presentation detailing the historical presence of the
Wendat people in the area now known as Clarington.
Following the presentation the Committee discussed the need to review the municipal
land acknowledgement statement given the research presented by L. Racansky.
Members mutually agreed that a motion to Council should be developed through the
Indigenous working group and brought to the next committee meeting for review.
Moved by S. DeGrace; seconded by K. Kassirer
That the Committee receives the presentation with thanks.
Carried
5. Endorsement of GGC Motion Regarding Hate
Moved by S. Paguirian; seconded by R. Hooper,
That the Diversity Advisory Committee endorses Resolution # GG-019-26 on
Condemning Hate made by Councillor Anderson at the February 2, 2026 General
Government Committee meeting.
Carried.
6. Councillor Update
Councillor Anderson initiated a discussion about the recent Durham Regional Police
Services (DRPS) incident at the Oshawa courthouse and invited the Committee to
consider possible actions. Committee members shared concerns about the broader
issues raised by the situation, including questions related to communication,
accountability and overall and transparency.
In discussing next steps, members noted the importance of understanding the
perspective of the Clarington Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee (ABRAC) and
aligning with their leadership on matters connected to anti -Black racism. The Committee
acknowledged that any future involvement or support should be informed by ABRAC’s
stance, including the possibility of supporting any motions brought forward.
Through this discussion, members recalled that the DRPS Community Safety Advisory
Council exists and may be an appropriate committee to respond to the incident.
Members asked if there was still a designated seat for someone from their committee.
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J. Whynot advised that staff will investigate the status of the Community Safety Advisory
Council and will provide an update at a future meeting.
7. Priority Working Groups Discussion
The bursary working group has not met yet. The group has identified the need to
improve the promotion of the event to increase student awareness . Members confirmed
the grant will open in May and will offer two $1,250 grants again.
The Indigenous engagement working group has not met but will be meeting to develop
a motion in response to L. Racansky’s delegation on expanding the municipal land
acknowledgement.
8. Staff Update
J. Whynot invited members to attend the 3 rd annual Black Vendor Village on Saturday
February 21st from 10am to 4pm at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex in support of
Black History Month.
Members who are interested in volunteering at the event were advised to contact J.
Whynot or N. Balakumar to express their interest.
9. Adjournment
Moved by K. Kassirer; seconded by P. Gunti.
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05pm
Next Meeting: Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 7:00pm (virtual)