EIGHTH MEETING OF THE

MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE

FOR 2005

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Ontario Room, Markham Civic Centre

November 7, 2005

 

MINUTES

 

Attendance

 

Members

 

Regrets

Alex Ribeiro

 

Raza Sumar

Linda Stewart, Chair

 

Ray Lum

Ghulam Sajan

 

Councillor K. Usman

Murali Visvalingam

 

 

Warren Ali

 

 

Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

Councillor E. Shapero

 

 

Jan Godschalk

 

 

Moe Mohammed

 

 

Vicki Brar

Iris Leung

 

 

 

Staff
Blair Labelle, Committee Secretary

The eighth meeting of the Markham Race Relations Committee in 2005 convened at

7:35 p.m. with Ms. Linda Stewart in the Chair.

 

1.         MINUTES OF SEVENTH MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING IN 2005 HELD ON OCTOBER 3, 2005

 

The Town of Markham Race Relations Committee recommends:

 

That the Minutes of the Town of Markham Race Relations Committee meeting held on October 3, 2005, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         MARKHAM CENSUS

 

Ms. L. Stewart advised of her recent participation in a workgroup designed to gather ideas and strategize options with respect to the upcoming federal census. She advised that an electronic web-based component would be the central focus for gathering census data. Ms. Stewart noted problems regarding the process by which information is collected in Markham, including multiple language barriers and the issue of basement apartments. It was requested that if there are any thoughts on the issue that Members submit them to her so they could be forwarded on to the group. She also acknowledged that between May and June, Statistics Canada would be hiring full-time census workers.

 

 

3.         MRRC DRAFT VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

 

There was discussion surrounding the draft Vision, Mission and Values. Mr. J. Godschalk presented research on the use and meaning of the words “racial” and “ethnocultural”. Several revisions to the wording were considered. The Committee resolved to maintain the language of the document in its present condition.

           

 

4.         DATE FOR MANY FACES OF MARKHAM

 

The Committee discussed the possibility of alternating the date for the Many Faces of Markham event from Tuesday March 21st, 2006 to Sunday afternoon on March 26th, 2006. The evening of Thursday March 23rd, 2006 was also suggested as a possibility. Ms. Stewart agreed to confirm the availability of both dates with the Markham Theatre.

 

 

5.         COMMUNICATIONS

 

a)         Letter from S. Kadis, M.P., regarding Volunteer Appreciation Celebration – December 4, 2005

 

The Committee nominated Mr. J. Godschalk as the Thornhill representative to be recognized at the first annual Susan Kadis Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. Members also nominated Mr. A. Ribeiro as the Many Faces of Markham representative. Ms. Stewart agreed to forward both nominations.

 

 

6.         ANNUAL DINNER CELEBRATION

           

There was discussion as to when the annual Markham Race Relations dinner celebration would take place. It was agreed that the dinner would be scheduled to occur during the next MRRC meeting on Monday, December 5, 2005 with the location to be determined.

 

 

7.         LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

 

Councillor E. Shapero advised that staff recently finalized a calendar listing the recognized religious holidays and would make a presentation to MRRC at a forthcoming meeting.

8.         BUDGET DELIBERATIONS – DIVERSITY COORDINATOR
            POSITION

 

Councillor Shapero indicated that the Town of Markham is currently considering the addition of a part time diversity coordinator. She advised that details had not yet been established but that more information will be communicated once finalized.  

 

 

9.         PRESENTATION

 

Ms. Stewart discussed her upcoming presentation to Council and illustrated draft

slides to the Committee. Various input was received and Members agreed that it was very well done.

 

 

9.         ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting closed at 9:25 p.m.