SIXTH MEETING OF THE

MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE

FOR 2005

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Ontario Room, Markham Civic Centre

September 12, 2005

 

MINUTES

 

Attendance

 

Members

 

Regrets

Iris Leung

 

Moe Mohammed

Ray Lum

 

Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

Alex Ribeiro

 

Councillor E. Shapero

Linda Stewart, Chair

 

Raza Sumar

Ghulam Sajan

 

Warren Ali

Vicki Brar

 

 

Murali Visvalingam

 

 

Councillor K. Usman

 

 

Basith Khan

 

 

Jan Godschalk

 

 

 

Staff
Judy Kee, Committee Secretary

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

7:40 p.m. with Linda Stewart in the Chair.

 

1.         MINUTES OF FIFTH MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING IN 2005 HELD ON JUNE 6, 2005

 

The Town of Markham Race Relations Committee recommends:

 

That the Minutes of the Town of Markham Race Relations Committee meeting held on June 6, 2005, be adopted.

 

 

 

2.         MRRC WORK/ACTION PLAN

 

Committee had before it copies of the MRRC Draft Vision, Mission and Values document.  Ms. Stewart reported that a community consultation session was held during the summer, and the main focus had been on the goals and activities of the Committee.  A follow-up meeting of Committee had been held last week to discuss the results of the session.

 

 

 

 

Members reviewed the document and created a brief action plan summary, as follows:

 

SUB-COMMITTEES

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

 

 

 

Policy Sub-Committee

- receive information from other jurisdictions

- develop own framework

- develop a statement or plan around resources

- develop background document on issues key to Markham

- develop protocols

- start developing policy recommendations for Town of Markham

 

 

 

 

Events Sub-Committee

- continue with Many Faces event

-develop a plan for Year 2 (possible conflict with York Region Police’s event)

- City of Vaughan’s event to be looked at

- continue with Many Faces

- workshop series

 

 

 

Communications Committee

- awards event to involve business community and media

Develop key messages aimed at various audiences

 

 

 

Internal Development Committee

 

- work on Committee development

- learn about other groups in the community

 

It was noted that during the past few years, Markham has become one of the most diverse communities in Canada, and many committees and events are being organized to promote diversity.  Councillor Usman reported that the Markham Board of Trade had recently created a “Diversity Committee”, the main purpose of which is for the encouragement of MBT members to promote diversity in their organizations.  It was suggested that it might be beneficial to have a regular reports from the Diversity Committee.

 

With respect to the Mission, the matter of adding an additional clause was raised, with the following wording:  “(f) To eliminate racism and discrimination in Markham”.  After some discussion, it was agreed that this matter would be placed as an item on the next meeting’s agenda for further discussion.

 

 

Members agreed that the Action Plan, as presented and with amendments discussed this date, be finalized by the Chair for presentation at the next meeting.  Members commended the Chair for her work.

 

The Town of Markham Race Relations Committee recommends:

 

That congratulations and appreciation be extended to the Chair, Linda Stewart, for the time and effort put towards the Markham Race Relations Action Plan.

 

 

3.         REFRESHMENT EXPENSES – COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

 

The Town Of Markham Race Relations Committee recommends:

           

That the amount of $129.38 for refreshments provided by Merlyn’s Unique Caterers at the Markham Race Relations Committee Community Consultation Meeting held on June 29, 2005 be paid from the Markham Race Relations Committee budget, being account #200-9985859.

 

 

4.         HUMAN SERVICES PLANNING COALITION –

            STAKEHOLDER RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT

 

A letter dated June 30, 2005 from the Region of York Human Services Planning Coalition requesting endorsement of a resolution in support of the need for investment in human services in York Region was discussed.  Some concern was expressed that this may be beyond the mandate of the Committee, and it was agreed that the letter be referred to the next meeting to provide additional time for Members to consider the matter.

 

 

5.         RAPID RESPONSE PROTOCOL

 

It was agreed that the matter of “rapid response” would be referred to the October meeting.  Any information available would be provided at that time for discussion.

 

 

6.         LETTER FROM MARKHAM RESIDENT REGARDING

            UNILINGUAL ADVERTISING FLYERS

 

Committee had before it correspondence from a resident referred to Committee by Councillor A. Chiu regarding advertising flyers received in one language only.  Following some discussion, it was requested that the Chair draft a letter for Committee’s consideration expressing the Mission of the Committee and its goal to be inclusive.

 

7.         NEW BUSINESS

 

a)         2005-2006 Markham Concert Band Concert Season

 

The Chair noted that a further example of diversity continuing to be reflected in the community is that the Markham Concert Band will be presenting a more inclusive program in its upcoming 2005-2006 season.  Copies of the Band’s concert flyers will be brought to the next meeting of Committee.

 

 

8.         DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

            The next scheduled meeting is October 3, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ontario Room.

 

 

9.         ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting closed at 8:45 p.m.