HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-26Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes Thursday, November 26, 2020
Clarington
Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee
Thursday, November 26, 2020, 7:00 PM
Microsoft Teams
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Present:
Ashfaque Choudhry (until 8:41 p.m.)
Councillor Ron Hooper
Derryck Lamptey
Meera McDonald
Rajeshwari Saharan
John Sawdon (until 9:30 p.m.)
Rachel Traore
Also Present: Mayor Adrian Foster (until 8:41 p.m.)
Erica Mittag — Community Development Coordinator
Jack Ammendolia — Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. (until
7.23 p.m.)
Regrets: Sajida Kadri
Laila Shafi
The meeting called to order at 7.00 p.m.
1. Land Acknowledgement
Rachel Traore read the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
2. Ward Boundary Review
Jack Ammendolia of Watson & Associates Economists presented an update
on the Ward Boundary Review currently underway in Clarington. More
information can be found at www.clarington.net/wardboundarVreview.
Members are encouraged to complete the survey and share with their
networks.
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Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes Thursday, November 26, 2020
3. Review of Agenda
Moved by Meera McDonald, seconded by Derryck Lamptey
That the agenda of the meeting of November 26, 2020 be approved
Carried
4. Review of Minutes
Moved by Councillor Ron Hooper, seconded by Councillor Ashfaque Choudhry
That the minutes of the meetings of September 24, 2020 be approved.
Carried
5. Update on Committee Elections
Erica Mittag confirmed with Clarington's Clerks Department that we can hold
elections at the January 2021 meeting. Four members' terms are ending
December 31, 2020 and Council will be appointing members to serve a new
four-year term; to be ratified December 14, 2020 at Council.
6. Communications — Received for Information
City of Oshawa — received for information; regarding Mental Health training for
Police Services (circulated with the agenda).
Anti -Racism Initiatives and the Anti -Racism Directorate — received for
information; regarding various initiatives the Directorate has undertaken
(circulated with the agenda).
Moved by Derryck Lamptey, seconded by Rachel Traore
That the communications be received for information.
Carried
7. Council and Community Updates
Councillor Ron Hooper shared:
a) Council reviewed applications to the vacancies (4) on the Diversity
Advisory Committee; appointments to be ratified at Council on
December 14, 2020.
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Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes Thursday, November 26, 2020
b) Council received a letter from a resident regarding to the celebration of the
Festival of Diwali. Resident would like to request a permit for fireworks.
There is a by-law in place for fireworks. The Committee could look at
ways to educate the community about fireworks permitting for this and
other similar celebrations. Erica and Councillor Hooper to connect and
follow up with By -Law Services for more information.
c) The Durham Regional Police Services Board shared an update on their
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan with Regional Council. This letter is
shared for the Committee's information.
Erica Mittag shared:
d) Engage Clarington — Our Clarington — Diversity and Inclusion Page is
active and Members are encouraged to share their stories to promote
discussion and engagement. The Community Diversity Survey is also
hosted on the site and is being promoted through social media.
7. Update on Anti -Black Racism Subcommittee
Meera McDonald reviewed proceedings of the most recent subcommittee work.
Angela Todd -Anderson and Erica Mittag will work with Samantha Aitken from the
Clarington Public Library on the planning of a virtual event for Black History
Month (February 2021).
An update was provided on two outstanding items requiring approval by the
Diversity Advisory Committee. The Terms of Reference were reviewed by the
Members. The Social Media Plan is to be reviewed by Members at our next
meeting.
Moved by Rajeshwari Saharan, seconded by Derryck Lamptey
That the Terms of Reference for the Anti -Black Racism Subcommittee be
approved.
Carried
8. Durham Black Accountability Coalition Meeting
Rachel Traore reviewed the responses to the Durham Black Accountability
Coalition petition requests. She will be taking this information and drafting a
response letter for further consideration by Council.
9. Black History Month
Erica Mittag shared that the Clarington Public Library is planning events and
resources surrounding Black History Month and if the Members have any
suggestions of activities or resources to be included, please forward to Erica.
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Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes Thursday, November 26, 2020
The Diversity and Inclusion Staff Team is also planning recognition and events
for the month.
10.Community Support, Multi-Culturalism and Anti -Racism Initiatives
Erica Mittag shared information about this funding opportunity. If Members have
thoughts on initiative proposals and potential partners, please share with Erica.
11. Confidential Report
Moved by Councillor Ron Hooper, seconded by Meera McDonald
That in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended,
the meeting be closed for the purpose of discussing the prohibition of symbols of
hate, a matter that deals with advice that is subject to solicitor -client privilege,
including communications necessary for that purpose.
Carried
12. Rise and Report
The prohibition of symbols of hate was discussed in "closed" session in
accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended and no
resolutions were passed.
Moved by Meera McDonald, seconded by Derryck Lamptey
That the General Government Committee recommend to Council that staff be
directed to prepare an amendment to the Sign By-law to prohibit the public
display of symbols of hate within the Municipality of Clarington; and
That the Mayor and Members of Council of the Municipality of Clarington, in
partnership with Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee, release an Official
Statement condemning the display of symbols of hate in our community.
Carried
The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m.
Moved by Derryck Lamptey, seconded by Meera McDonald
Carried
Next meeting: Thursday, January 28, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
Virtually — Microsoft Teams
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