Mayor Scarpitti, addressed the Committee to convey that the City will continue to meet needs of the community and work with all community groups in recognition of diversity in the City and to ensure people feel engaged and part of the community in all aspects. The Mayor thanked Andy Taylor, the Senior Management Team, staff and Members of Council for their ongoing support and work on this important initiative.
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer, addressed the Committee and recognized the contributions by Members of Council, staff and community members' in creating the Diversity and Anti-Black Racism Plans. He noted the significance of inclusion and the engagement of intersectional perspectives of all members of the community including, Indigenous, Black, Racialized, Asian, Seniors, Youth, LGBTQ2+, Entrepreneurs, and Accessible Communities to create a community where everyone feels welcome and safe.
The following deputations were heard by the Committee:
Edward Lau, addressed the Committee and expressed his support for the Diversity Action Plan and highlighted the importance of inclusion and accessibility.
John Yeh, addressed the Committee and expressed support for the Diversity Action Plan and noted the importance of inclusiveness in the planning of communities, parks, cultural programs and services.
A written communication was received from the City’s special advisor on Anti-Black racism- Dr. Mary Anne Chambers in support of the Diversity Action Plan and the plan to eliminate Anti-Black Racism.
Joanne Kinya Baker, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist, addressed the Committee and introduced the City's journey with respect to the Diversity Action Plan and that it will foster belonging, a place where people may live free of racism, discrimination and barriers to access. She presented, Markham's Diversity Action Plan and plan to eliminate Anti-Black Racism, which provided an overview of actions being taken by the City, to acknowledge intersectionality, promote inclusion, belonging, diversity and equity. Additionally, she provided information on the next steps in relation to Truth and Reconciliation.
Mona Nazif, Senior Manager, HR Client Services, addressed the Committee to present the later half of the presentation, Markham's Diversity Action Plan and plan to eliminate Anti-Black Racism, and identified the steps taken in the past that have brought the City to the updated Diversity Action Plan and the initiation of a new plan to Eliminate Anti-Black Racism. She noted the relation of these plans to Building Markham's Future Together, Strategic Plan.
Dr. Wendy Cukier, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Diversity Institute Founder, Academic Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and Research Lead of the Future Skills Centre from Ryerson University, addressed the Committee to identify the overarching plan objectives and noted that the proposed plan is to provide guidance and can evolve with changing circumstances. She further noted that the application of an equity lens will ensure inclusion and equity within all City efforts and engage all members of the community.
Nancy Mitchel, Diversity Institute, Ted Rogers School of Management, presented, Markham's Plan to eliminate Anti-Black Racism, and provided an overview of historical and ongoing disparity in Markham and the actions the City is taking to promote inclusion and the elimination of barriers through a process of shared understanding.
Ms. Baker summarized the next steps in the plans' implementation which included the development of an intentional Truth and Reconciliation process, policy development, the implementation of a streamlined complaint process and ongoing staff training. She acknowledged the support and contributions by the Mayor, Members of Council, Council Advisory Committees, City Executive Leadership Team, Staff, Tia Kennedy- the City’s Indigenous Affairs Consultant and the Diversity Institute, Ted Rogers School of Management at the Toronto metropolitan University (Formerly known as Ryerson).
The Committee thanked the deputants, staff and guests for their work in the development of the updated Diversity Action Plan and Markham's Plan to eliminate Anti-Black Racism.