THIRD MEETING OF THE

MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE

FOR 2005

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Ontario Room, Markham Civic Centre

April 11, 2005

 

MINUTES

 

Attendance

 

Members

 

Regrets

Iris Leung

 

Ray Lum

Vicki Brar

 

Moe Mohammed

Alex Ribeiro

 

Councillor K. Usman

Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

 

Ghulam Sajan

Councillor E. Shapero

 

 

Linda Stewart

 

 

Raza Sumar

 

 

Murali Visvalingam

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staff

C. Raynor, Committee Secretary

The second meeting of the Markham Race Relations Committee in 2005 convened at 7:30 p.m. with Linda Stewart in the Chair.

1.         ADMINISTRATION

The Town of Markham Race Relations Committee recommends:

That the Minutes of the Town of Markham Race Relations Committee meeting held on March 7, 2005, be adopted.

2.         PRESENTATION

Ms. R. Mirshahi, Ontario Victims Services Secretariat (OVSS), provided information relating to the OVSS Grants Program. The Committee was advised that the fund is comprised of monies collected from fines and other financial penalties paid by criminal offenders. The province is seeking to ensure that the fund is spent on short term programs that will assist the victims of crime and eligible organizations may receive up to $50,000 in funding. The closing date for applications is May 13, 2005. The Committee agreed to pass on information to likely funding candidates.

The Committee considered the possibility of partnering with York Region Police to create a program in schools. Ms. L. Stewart agreed to follow up.

3.         TSUNAMI BENEFIT DINNER – April 23, 2005

Councillor E. Shapero advised that Unique Caterers is proposing to hold a benefit dinner in order to raise funds for relief efforts in Sri Lanka. The Committee offered its assistance in the organization of the event if necessary. It was noted that the actual date of the dinner has been moved back to June 10, 2005.

 

4.         REPORTS

·        Many Faces of Markham Sub-Committee

Ms. L. Stewart advised that the 2005 Many Faces of Markham event was a great success. Ms. Stewart recognized the Planning Committee for its efforts. The Committee suggested that it may be preferable to hold the next event on a weekend afternoon to make it more accessible to youngsters. It was also suggested that further work be done on the logo for the event.

There will be a presentation to the performers at Council on April 26, 2005. Mr. M. Visvalingam agreed to provide the names of all the performers. Members of the event Planning Committee will also be recognized. The Economist and Sun newspaper will be printing some of the winning essays, along with photographs and artwork.

·        Strategic Planning Process

Ms. L. Stewart advised that the probable date for the next facilitated meeting to discuss the strategic planning process will be in May 2005.

 

5.         LETTER TO CONCERNED CITIZEN

The Committee was advised that this matter is being resolved by York Region Police.

6.         NEW BUSINESS

            a)         Communities in Bloom

The Committee considered the possibility of adopting part of the Civic Centre grounds. It was suggested that the peace garden may be an appropriate area.

7.         ADJOURNMENT

The meeting closed at 9:00 p.m.