Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Minutes

-
Hybrid Meeting
Whitby Town Hall
Present:
  • Lynn Collins, Chair
  • Eva Guta
  • Jamil Qamar, Vice-Chair
  • Angela Thomas
Regrets:
  • Vanessa Reid
  • Robin Steed
  • Anjali Thorve
Also Present:
  • Councillor Shahid, Mayor's Designate
  • Shelby Moffatt, Whitby Public Library Representative
  • Kim Evans, Manager, 55+ Recreation, Accessibility & Diversity
  • Heather Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary)

1.
Call to Order

 

2.
Declarations of Conflict of Interest

 

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

3.
Approval of Previous Minutes

 
  • Moved byEva Guta

    That the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee minutes of September 7, 2023 be approved.

    Carried

4.
Presentations

 

There were no presentations.

5.
Delegations

 

There were no delegations.

6.
General Business and Reports

 

6.1
Days of Significance 2024 Review

 

Kim Evans advised that the Days of Significance 2024 would be circulated to Members for review once it was updated. Ms. Evans stated that the dates would be finalized at the Committee’s January meeting and then reviewed by Council for approval.

Lynn Collins requested that the solstices and their importance to the Indigenous people be included as days of significance.

6.2
Community Outreach Fall 2023 Recap

 

Kim Evans provided an overview of the Committee’s Fall 2023 outreach activities which included the Harvest Festival, New Resident Bus Tour, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Indigenous Beading Red Dress Program.

Lynn Collins stated that the Harvest Festival was well attended and that community engagement with the Committee was a success.

6.3
Upcoming Community Outreach Opportunities

 

Shelby Moffatt advised that there were several diversity events planned for 2024 at the Whitby Public Library including a Canadian Black History speaker in March, An Evening with Local Black Poets, and an Indigenous Spoken Word Poet event in April. Ms. Moffatt requested support from the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee for these events.

6.4
Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Activities 2024 - Review

 

Kim Evans requested feedback from the Committee regarding activities for 2024.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • a discussion panel for Black History, 'History, Intersectionality, and Black Joy' on Thursday February 1, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex in Pickering;
  • clarification regarding a request from the Congress of Black Women for Committee support; and,
  • including a review of the 2024 budget and proposed events/activities in January.

7.
Correspondence

 

There was no correspondence.

8.
Council Update

 

Councillor Shahid provided an update regarding:

  • concerns with hate and acts of hate;
  • introducing community humanitarian efforts;
  • the 1635 Dundas Street East shelter;
  • the Culture Plan update; and,
  • an upcoming matter at the December 11, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the Prohibited and Regulated Animals By-law Exemption Request for Nova’s Ark, 7505 Cedarbrook Trail.

9.
Other Business

 

9.1
Condemning All Acts of Hate, November 27, 2023 Regular Council Meeting

 

Kim Evans summarized a joint letter from Amira Elghawaby, Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia of Canada, regarding all acts of hate having no place in society. Ms. Evans advised that the letter relates to the comments made by Councillor Shahid during the November 27, 2023 Regular Council meeting regarding Condemning All Acts of Hate.

A brief question and answer period ensued regarding the Committee’s role in the matter.

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byAngela Thomas

    That the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee supports a motion to be put forward by Councillor Shahid in an upcoming meeting to Condemn All Acts of Hate.

    Carried

10.
Next Meeting

 

Thursday, January 4, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.

11.
Adjournment

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byEva Guta

    That the meeting adjourn.

    Carried

    The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

    Note: These minutes were approved by the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee on January 4, 2024. 


No Item Selected