Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Minutes

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Hybrid Meeting
Whitby Town Hall
Present:
  • Lynn Collins, Chair
  • Eva Guta
  • Jamil Qamar
  • Robin Steed, Vice-Chair
  • Angela Thomas
  • Anjali Thorve
Regrets:
  • Vanessa Drekmann
Also Present:
  • Shelby Moffat, Whitby Public Library Representative
  • Kim Evans, Staff Liaison, Director, Recreation
  • Erica Mittag, Staff Liaison, Manager, 55+ Recreation, Accessibility and 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

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byRobin Steed

    That the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee minutes of November 7, 2024 be approved.

    Carried

4.
Delegations

 

There were no delegations.

5.
General Business and Reports

 

5.1
Committee Mandate and Work Plan Review

 

Kim Evans provided a summary of the Committee’s mandate and work plan which included:

  • providing input to Council on matters of diversity;
  • fostering a greater understanding of ethno-cultural and diversity matters through community partnerships;
  • involving diverse groups in Committee activities; and,
  • providing input to staff in the development of policies and public engagement strategies pertaining to ethno-cultural relations and diversity matters.

5.2
2024 Committee Events and Activities

 

Kim Evans requested feedback from the Committee regarding participation in 2025 community diversity events and activities. Ms. Evans provided a review of community events held in 2024 which included:

  • events hosted by the Region of Durham including a Black History Month event, an International Women’s Day event, and an Emancipation Day celebration;
  • events hosted by the Whitby Public Library, including a Spoken Word Workshop, Henna with Hina for International Women’s Day, Drag Queen Storytime, and the New Resident Bus Tour;
  • events hosted by the Town of Whitby including flag raisings, a National Indigenous Peoples Day event, Harvest Festival, and Christmas in the Village; and,
  • additional community events including movie screenings, Pride Prom, and Youth Pride Day.

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byAngela Thomas

    That $650 be drawn from the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee’s 2025 annual budget to fund two events hosted by the Whitby Public Library, namely, the Henna with Hina event in the amount of $300, and the Spoken Word Workshop in the amount of $350.

    Carried

5.3
Proposed Committee Cookbook Project

 

Kim Evans requested feedback from the Committee regarding the proposed Committee Cookbook Project.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • hosting a book launch event;
  • methods for collecting recipes and stories such as an online feedback form;
  • establishing a subcommittee to develop an action plan for creating the cookbook; and,
  • requesting that the Accessibility Advisory Committee review the cookbook to ensure it meets accessibility standards.

6.
Council Update

 

There was no Council update.

7.
Other Business

 

7.1
Public Library Access Cards

 

Shelby Moffatt provided details about her visit with the Indigenous Peoples at Curve Lake. Ms. Moffatt stated that residency requirements for acquiring a Library Access Card has created a barrier for Indigenous Peoples living on Indigenous Reserves. She further stated that public libraries were reviewing their policies to remove those barriers.

7.2
Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery (LEAD) Program

 

Kim Evans provided an update regarding the LEAD program offered through the Abilities Centre. Ms. Evans advised that the Town of Whitby would be participating in the LEAD program.

8.
Next Meeting

 

Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.

9.
Adjournment

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byAnjali Thorve

    That the meeting adjourn.

    Carried

    The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.


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