Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Minutes

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Hybrid Meeting
Whitby Town Hall
Present:
  • Lynn Collins, Chair
  • Eva Guta
  • Robin Steed
  • Anjali Thorve
Regrets:
  • Jamil Qamar, Vice-Chair
  • Vanessa Reid
  • Angela Thomas
Also Present:
  • Shelby Moffat, Whitby Public Library Representative
  • Sharon Meredith, Senior Manager, Recreation
  • Kim Evans, Staff Liaison, Manager, 55+ Recreation, Accessibility & Disability
  • 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 byEva Guta

    That the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee minutes of June 1, 2023 be approved.

    Carried

4.
Presentations

 

4.1
Ade Idemudia, Senior Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism Specialist

 

Re: The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism Specialists Role at the Town of Whitby

Ade Idemudia provided a presentation regarding the role of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Specialist at the Town of Whitby. Highlights of the presentation included:

  • the Town's Action Plan for establishing inclusive policies and operations;
  • goals of the IDEA Strategic Actions, including investing in people, processes, and relationships; and,
  • the timeline for implementing the IDEA Strategic Actions.

A question and answer period ensued regarding:

  • how the Committee could provide support; and,
  • expected long-term outcomes from the IDEA Strategic Actions.

5.
Delegations

 

There were no delegations.

6.
General Business and Reports

 

6.1
Work Plan Review

 

Kim Evans provided a review of the Committee’s Work Plan. Ms. Evans stated that upcoming items included proclamation submissions, participating in community diversity events, an upcoming presentation from the Congress of Black Women, and the upcoming Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee meeting in October.

6.2
Community Outreach: Completed Events

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day – Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Celebration Square, Whitby

Kim Evans advised that Members of the Committee attended the National Indigenous Peoples Day. Ms. Evans stated that the event was well attended.

Emancipation Day Event – Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at Audley Recreation Centre, Ajax

Kim Evans advised that Members of the Committee participated in the Emancipation Day Event, a Regional event held at the Audley Recreation Centre in Ajax. Ms. Evans further stated that the event was well attended.

Lynn Collins stated that the event provided an opportunity for networking and learning about resources and support services for diversity and inclusion issues. Ms. Collins further stated that hosting a similar event could be beneficial for the Town of Whitby.

6.3
Community Outreach: Upcoming Events

 

Kim Evans provided a brief summary of the upcoming community outreach events the Committee would be participating in for the remainder of 2023 which included:

  • Harvest Festival, September 16, 2023
  • New Resident Bus Tour, September 23, 2023
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2023
  • Islamic Heritage Month, October, 2023
  • International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, 2023

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • the Three Sisters Garden colouring sheet handout;
  • the New Resident Bus Tour and the number of people registered for the event;
  • Ribbons to Remember and brochures that would be distributed at the Town’s recreation facilities;
  • activities for International Day of Persons with Disabilities; and,
  • items to distribute at community outreach events.

6.4
Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Meeting

 

Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.

Kim Evans advised that the October meeting would be a joint meeting with the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

7.
Correspondence

 

There was no correspondence.

8.
Council Update

 

There was no Council update.

9.
Other Business

 

9.1
Renaming of Dundas Street

 

Kim Evans provided an update regarding the renaming of Dundas Street, including actions taken by other municipalities and cost implications to municipalities and local businesses situated on streets called Dundas Street.

10.
Next Meeting

 

Thursday, November 9, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.

11.
Adjournment

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byEva Guta

    That the meeting adjourn.

    Carried

    The meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.


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