Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Minutes

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Hybrid Meeting
Whitby Town Hall
Present:
  • Lynn Collins
  • Eva Guta
  • Jamil Qamar
  • Robin Steed
  • Angela Thomas
Regrets:
  • Vanessa Reid
  • Anjali Thorve
Also Present:
  • Councillor Shahid, Mayor's Designate
  • Sharon Meredith, Senior Manager, Recreation
  • Kim Evans, Staff Liaison, Supervisor, 55+ Recreation Services
  • Heather Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary)

1.
Call to Order

 

2.
Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

 

The Committee was advised that the appointment for Chair and Vice-Chair of the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee for the January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 term would take place at this time. 

Kim Evans called for the nominations for the position of Chair of the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. 

Jamil Qamar nominated Lynn Collins for the position of Chair of the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. 

Lynn Collins accepted the nomination. 

There were no further nominations and the nominations were closed.

Kim Evans called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. 

Eva Guta nominated Jamil Qamar for the position of Vice-Chair of the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. 

Jamil Qamar accepted the nomination. 

There were no further nominations and the nominations were closed.

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byJamil Qamar

    That Lynn Collins be appointed Chair of the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2023. 

    Carried

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byEva Guta

    That Jamil Qamar be appointed Vice-Chair of the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2023. 

    Carried

3.
Declarations of Conflict of Interest

 

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.
Approval of Previous Minutes

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byEva Guta

    That the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee minutes of June 9, 2022 be approved.

    Carried

5.
Presentations

 

There were no presentations.

6.
Delegations

 

There were no delegations.

7.
General Business and Reports

 

7.1
Committee Member Introductions

 

Members of the Committee introduced themselves and provided a brief summary of their experience and interest in serving on the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

7.2
Committee Mandate and 2018-2022 Term Initiatives

 

Kim Evans provided an overview of the Committee’s Terms of Reference. Ms. Evans reviewed the committee’s mandate and 2018-2022 term initiatives which included:

  • the action items for the work plan, timelines, and budget allocations for each action item;
  • the annual multicultural calendar and monthly proclamations;
  • diversity information sessions and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Project;
  • providing ethno-cultural and diversity education and awareness through partnerships and participating in events;
  • providing input to staff on development of policies to promote awareness and training on ethno-cultural relations and diversity matters;
  • providing input on the development of a public engagement strategy for residents; and,
  • providing consultation, research, and report findings and making recommendations to Council on matters of diversity, inclusivity and equity for the Town of Whitby.

7.3
Black Poetry Night - Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Kim Evans advised that the Whitby Public Library was hosting a Black Poetry Night event on April 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Evans stated that the Committee provides the honourariums for the guest speakers attending this event.

A brief discussion ensued regarding the ability to livestream or share the event on social media.

7.4
New Resident Bus Tour

 

Kim Evans provided an overview of the New Resident Bus Tour. Ms. Evans advised that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Resident Bus Tour was offered virtually through the Committee’s webpage. She stated that the intention was to bring back the in-person New Resident Bus Tour.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • engaging youth to volunteer and translate the tour in other languages;
  • the timelines for hosting the Bus Tour; and,
  • the cost for renting the bus and number of persons permitted on the bus.

7.5
2023 Dates of Significance

 

Kim Evans requested feedback from the Committee regarding the 2023 Dates of Significance to be submitted as proclamation requests to Council. Ms. Evans reviewed the Town’s Proclamation policy.

A brief discussion ensued regarding the process for submitting and reviewing proclamations.

8.
Correspondence

 

There was no correspondence.

9.
Council Update

 

Councillor Shahid provided a Council update regarding:

  • the 2023 Budget;
  • renaming part of Gordon Street as Jim Flaherty Street;
  • requesting that Mark Wafer from the Abilities Centre attend an upcoming Committee meeting to speak about inclusivity and people with disabilities; and,
  • events included in the proposed budget, and hosting an inclusive event for all ages, abilities, and ethnicities.

10.
Other Business

 

10.1
Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Meeting Time

 

Kim Evans requested Members discuss changing the Committee’s meeting start time from 7:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byAngela Thomas

    That the start time for the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee meetings be changed from 7:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the Terms of Reference be amended accordingly.

    Carried

11.
Next Meeting

 

Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 7:15 p.m.

12.
Adjournment

 

  • Recommendation:

    That the meeting adjourn.

    Carried

    The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.


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