HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-23Clarftwn
Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee
Thursday, July 23, 2020, 7:00 PM
Microsoft Teams
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Present: Councillor Ron Hooper
Ashfaque Choudhry
Sajida Kadri
Derryck Lamptey
Meera McDonald
Laila Shafi
Rachel Traore
Also Present: Erica Mittag — Community Development Coordinator
Rob Maciver — Municipal Solicitor
Ashlee Kielbiski — Tourism Programmer
Erin Nicole
Lauren Reyes -Grange (until 7:45 p.m.)
Rochelle Thomas
Angela Todd -Anderson
Regrets: Rajeshwari Saharan
John Sawdon
The meeting called to order at 7:06 p.m.
1. Land Acknowledgement
Rachel Traore read the Land Acknowledgement Statement
2. Welcome to guests.
Rachel Traore welcomed the guests to the meeting, and each shared a little bit of
information about their interest in attending the meeting.
3. Review of Agenda
That the agenda of the July 23, 2020 meeting be approved.
Moved by Derryck Lamptey; Seconded by Laila Shafi
Carried
4. Review of Minutes
That the minutes of the meeting of June 25, 2020 be approved.
Moved by Councillor Hooper; Seconded by Meera McDonald
Carried
5. Prohibit Symbols of Hate: Council Resolution #GG-246-20
Council passed resolution #GG-246-20 regarding a protocol to prohibit symbols of
hate and racial intolerance which was directed to staff to consult with the Diversity
Advisory Committee. Clarington's Municipal Solicitor, Rob Maciver attended the
meeting to hear comments from the Committee on the topic. Erica Mittag
provided a synopsis of activity / work being done in other municipalities.
Some meeting participants provided input that the Municipality should enact a by-
law that would make it an offence to display hate symbols on public or private
property. Other input was provided that the Municipality should consider an
alternative approach that would recognize the individual right to freedom of
expression. The discussion concluded with a request of Rachel Traore for more
suggestions from staff.
6. Council Updates
Councillor Ron Hooper provided an update from his recent attendance at the Black
Lives Matter rally in Clarington. Councillor Hooper shared that he attended a
meeting with Cora Reid, of Black Rose Movement, an initiative which inspires young
Black youth to greatness while educating others on the issues of systemic racism,
anti -black racism prejudice and seeks to bring positive changes in our society.
Councillor Hooper also shared that there is a provincial funding opportunity to
support businesses in addressing the challenges of COVID-19.
7. Community Updates
Region of Durham Anti -Black Racism Virtual Town Hall is being held Thursday,
August 6, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please pre -register for this virtual event.
Clarington's staff diversity and inclusion team formed and meeting on Tuesday, July
28. One of the aims of this staff team is to complement the work being done by the
Diversity Advisory Committee. The Diversity Advisory Committee wishes this team
well, and offered the door is open for any assistance needed. Councillor Hooper
commended the Committee for the amount of work already done in this regard.
8. Anti -Black Racism subcommittee
The Committee discussed the new Anti -Black Racism subcommittee as voted on at
the last meeting. The subcommittee will be comprised of community members who
have demonstrated an interest in the efforts. The liaison from the Diversity Advisory
Committee is Meera McDonald.
The subcommittee welcomes the following community members: Rochelle Thomas,
Erin Nicole, Angela Todd -Anderson and Lauren Reyes -Grange.
Meera McDonald outlined the preliminary deliverables for the subcommittee such as
looking at anti -Black racism policies and developing a Terms of Reference. The
subcommittee members shared their ideas and areas of passion. Rachel Traore
clarified that the Anti -Black Racism subcommittee will initially focus on anti -Black
racism but as they evolve will seek to encompass all forms of racism.
Erica Mittag will confirm the initial meeting date of the subcommittee with its
members.
9. Diversity in Imagery
Clarington's Communications Division in partnership with Clarington Tourism
Advisory Committee is looking to diversify their imagery used for promotions. They
hope to use images that capture Clarington residents enjoying activities offered in
Clarington.
A collage of existing images has been created and will be circulated to the
Committee for input. Please provide feedback to Erica on what may be lacking.
Erica Mittag will share information with Committee members about upcoming photo
shoots (happening 3 or 4 times per year) so the opportunities can be shared more
widely to encourage participation from our community.
9. Diversity Lens update.
Erica Mittag proposed that with the reviews of other Diversity lenses complete, the
next steps of the working group will be to develop a template based on an existing
modifiable model (City of Ottawa). Members interested in joining the working group
can message Erica.
9. Workplan update.
Rachel highlighted new elements of the workplan that need to be addressed (given
that the Lens is in progress).
Training and Awareness — we have a commitment to Chief Dave Mowat regarding
including an aboriginal element to the Training and Awareness. Erica has reached
out to Bawaaligewin Aboriginal Community Circle. Erica Mittag is developing a
training plan for staff and Meera McDonald is her contact person from the
Committee. Anyone interested in participating may contact Erica.
Celebrating Diversity — this may be challenged in a COVID or post-COVID era.
Rachel elicited ideas on how to work on this. We may look to Lauren Reyes -Grange
as a member of the anti -Black racism subcommittee for some guidance around a
social media campaign.
Survey — completed. The Committee discussed the opportunity to re -launch the
survey since much has changed in the community and society since it was
released in November 2019. Erica Mittag will pull out any relevant information for
the Anti -Black Racism Subcommittee and will follow up with Communications to
coordinate the re -launch.
That the survey be re -launched to the community.
Moved by Laila Shafi; Seconded by Sajida Kadri
Carried
Participation at local events is difficult in the current times. To be reassessed.
Partnership with Community Agencies (i.e. Welcome Wagon) — Ashlee Kielbiski
indicated Clarington's Tourism Advisory Committee is working on an initiative to
welcome people moving to Clarington. They are partnering with local realtors and
are planning a meeting shortly. Ashfaque Choudhry and Rajeshwari Saharan
expressed interest in being involved.
9. Other Business
Durham Black Accountability Coalition has reached out to Mayor Foster and are
meeting him on August 4. Rachel Traore is also attending and will report back to the
Committee after this meeting.
Thursday, August 6 at 6:30pm, the Region of Durham is hosting an Anti -Black
Racism Town Hall — please register to receive the meeting invite. Please share
within your networks. Find out more information:
https://yourvoice.durham.ca/durhamcavirtualtownhall
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
Moved by Ashfaque Choudhry; Seconded by Derryck Lamptey
Carried
Next meeting: Thursday, August 27, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Virtually — Microsoft Teams