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Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee Minutes
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Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 7:00p.m.
In -Person: Microsoft Teams
Roll Call:
Present:
B. Neblett (Chair)
A. Tesluk
D. Watt
P. Gunti
R. Hooper
S. DeGrace
S. Paguirigan
T. Shomar
S. DeGrace
Regrets:
Councillor Anderson
K. Kassirer
V. Wong
Also Present:
N. Balakumar — Staff Liaison
D. Smith — CLMA
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement Statement
The Chair led the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
3. Declaration of Interest
There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting.
4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Moved by: T.Shomar
Page 2
Seconded by: S. Paguirigan
That the minutes from the March 12, 2026, meeting, be approved.
Carried
5. Election of Vice Chair
The Committee acknowledged the resignation of the Vice -Chair L. Reyes -
Grange. Duties and expectations of the Vice -Chair role were reviewed by the
Chair. No nominations were brought forward at this meeting.
Moved by: T. Shomar
Seconded by: R. Hooper
That the election of the Vice -Chair be deferred to the May meeting.
Carried
6. Committee Meeting Schedule
Members discussed the upcoming municipal election and tis impact on
committee operations. Consensus was reached that June will be the final
meeting before summer break and that no meetings will be held in July or
August.
Meetings will resume in October and November on the second Thursday of the
month with a provisional December meeting to be confirmed later.
The updated summer/fall meeting schedule was endorsed by consensus.
7. Motion Updates
Staff provided an update that all three motions brought forward by CDAC from
the March 12, 2026 meeting were approved by Council.
8. Land Acknowledgement Review — Minor wording adjustment to ensure equitable
consultation language.
9. Committee Review and Training Motion — Passed as presented; future training
and on boarding improvements anticipated.
10. Endorsement of Draft Letter to DRPS (Clarington Anti -Black Racism Committee)
- Passed.
Page 3
11. Staff Updates:
Clarington IDEA Strategy
Staff provided an overview of the Clarington IDEA Strategy (2024-2027),
highlighting progress across internal and external initiatives. Updates
included the continued use and planned re -promotion of the Equity and
Inclusion Lens and Inclusive Language Guide, expanded DEI training for
staff and Council, community partnerships for cultural safety and
accessibility training, and ongoing Truth and Reconciliation and
Indigenous engagement efforts.
Staff also reported on initiatives related to inclusive recruitment practices, multi -
faith spaces, community events, anti -racism and anti -hate work, intimate partner
violence awareness, and accessibility planning.
Emphasis was placed on the Committee's role in supporting
implementation, community engagement, and informing the development
of the next IDEA Strategy beyond 2027.
Additional Updates
Staff received a request from the Clarington Waterfront Strategy team to engage
with CDAC for feedback. The committee expressed interest in the presentation.
Committee members also discussed the possibility of inviting representative to
present on the Community -Based Hate Reporting Program - Region of Durham.
12. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee is scheduled to
be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, commencing at 7:00 p.m. on Microsoft
Teams.
13. Adjournment
Moved by: R. Hooper
That the meeting adjourn at 7:58 p.m.
Carried