City reaffirms commitment to foster an inclusive community
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Mayor Maurizio
Bevilacqua signs the Vaughan Inclusion Charter
Vaughan is a
vibrant and diverse city with an appreciation for the many cultures, creeds and
faiths that thrive here. The City continues to foster a community that is
inclusive and respectful where all citizens, businesses, employees and visitors
are valued. Today, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua reaffirmed this commitment by
signing the Vaughan Inclusion Charter in support of the Inclusion Charter for
York Region.
The Inclusion Charter
for York Region was developed in collaboration with York Region’s Municipal Diversity
and Inclusion Group (MDIG). The Charter promotes and celebrates human rights
and accessibility and strengthens a sense of belonging for everybody in the
community to ensure they all have access to the same opportunities. In signing
the Vaughan Inclusion Charter, the City officially joins the MDIG along with
other municipalities and organizations in the Region.
The signing of the Charter
reaffirms Council’s goal of Active, Safe and Diverse Communities as outlined in
the 2018-2022 Term of
Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. In 2020, Council will be appointing a
Diversity and Citizen Engagement Task Force. During the City’s 2019
International Women’s Day event, Mayor Bevilacqua formally signed the
Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity, which was unanimously endorsed by
Council. The City of Vaughan is the first municipality in Canada to endorse the
Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity. Developed by Electricity Human Resources
Canada, the Accord is a public commitment by organizations to promote the
values of diversity, equality and inclusion.
QUOTE
“The
City of Vaughan is a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated
every day in every way. We take great pride in providing an exceptional quality
of life, where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential, actively
participate in civic life and be treated with respect, dignity and freedom from
discrimination. As part of the City of Vaughan’s commitment to advancing a
culture of co-operation, we are pleased to endorse and adopt the Vaughan
Inclusion Charter in support of the Inclusion Charter for York Region, which is
a community initiative to create a fair and equal environment for all. Our
vision for 2020 is clear — we will continue moving our city forward without
leaving anyone behind. To ensure we achieve this, Council will be appointing a
Diversity and Citizen Engagement Task Force this year. Today, we are
reaffirming our dedication to this important and meaningful cause. Together, we
are creating a bright and promising future for everyone.
- Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- Vaughan Inclusion Charter was approved by Council in June 2019.
- York Region Council endorsed York Region's Inclusion Charter in June 2018.
- A Diversity and Citizen Engagement Task Force will be appointed by Vaughan Council in 2020.
- Al St. John, poet and spoken word artist, performed at the Vaughan Inclusion Charter Signing Ceremony.
LEARN MORE
- City of Vaughan’s Accessibility and Diversity webpage
- City of Vaughan’s 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan webpage
- Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity news release
- Inclusion Charter for York Region webpage
- Mayor Bevilacqua’s Vaughan Inclusion Charter statement
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