Mayor Bevilacqua to call special meeting to advance anti-racism initiatives

Oct. 2, 2020 10:00 a.m.
​Vaughan’s diversity and inclusion agenda central to city-building  

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua will call a Special electronic-participation Committee of the Whole meeting to address issues of racism and to further advance and raise awareness about the City of Vaughan’s diversity, inclusion and anti-racism efforts. The virtual meeting will take place in November. It will include a fulsome agenda with presentations by staff and community stakeholders. The public is invited to participate virtually. Further information will be made available in the coming weeks.
 
The decision to hold this Special electronic-participation Committee of the Whole meeting coincides with several diversity and inclusion initiatives currently underway, in addition to requests by community organizations to discuss anti-racism efforts. The City continues to actively recruit members to join the new Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. The deadline has been extended. Citizens interested in applying must complete and submit the Diversity and Inclusion Application Package (PDF), which will be accepted until Thursday, Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m. The task force is made up of Members of Council as well as City staff and members of the public.
 
Council established the new Diversity and Inclusion Task Force to provide guidance to the City in the development of policies that promote fairness, mutual respect and inclusion. This includes exploring how Vaughan can further enhance its governance framework, thereby creating additional opportunities for the Mayor and Members of Council to work closely with citizens, businesses and community stakeholders. The City strives to foster a culture that is inclusive and respectful, where all citizens, employees, businesses and visitors are provided with accessible opportunities to engage and participate. The City is proud to have diverse communities and values the significant contributions they make to the cultural, economic and social achievements in Vaughan.
 
On July 20, public recruitment efforts began to select a successful candidate for the new Diversity and Inclusion Officer position. The role will influence the corporation's activities, provide strategic guidance and advise on policies, processes and procedures related to diversity. This position will help facilitate a renewed mandate for the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer. The successful candidate will attend meetings of the City’s Senior Leadership Team as an advisor on diversity and inclusion matters.
 
The ideas exchanged during the November Special electronic-participation Committee of the Whole meeting will help to further inform the mandate of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and the work undertaken by the new Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
 
Beyond these highlighted initiatives, Vaughan is advancing a comprehensive agenda with diversity and inclusion at the core of city-building. Vaughan’s administration continues to develop an Inclusion and Diversity Framework. The City’s Staff Inclusion Charter Committee was established and consists of a diverse group of City staff to develop this framework.  
 
Further to Mayor Bevilacqua’s statements issued on June 3 and June 16 specifically on anti-Black racism, the ongoing solidarity against racial injustice continues to be a fundamental priority. Council shares the sentiment of these heartfelt statements and acknowledges that Vaughan’s residents of colour are not exempt from these atrocious realities. It is precisely with this in mind that the City continues working closely with residents as well as community organizations and other levels of government to address the issue of anti-Black racism.
 
The City places a great deal of importance on the condemnation of racism in all its forms. The City continues to forge connections and pursue opportunities that demonstrate its commitment to foster a community that is inclusive and truly appreciative of its diversity. Recognizing Black history, culture and individuals that continue to make significant and enduring contributions to Canadian society and the world is part of celebrating Vaughan’s diversity.
 
During a Council meeting on June 29, Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of Council announced the Honourable Jean Augustine, Canada’s first female African-Canadian Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, will be bestowed with the Key to the City of Vaughan. This followed the Mayor’s announcement on June 26. Ms. Augustine’s values, principles and beliefs reflect the highest standards of public service. It was also announced in the same meeting that the complex consisting of the Rosemount Community Centre, the City Playhouse Theatre and Westmount Collegiate Institute and the district park will be named Jean Augustine Complex and Jean Augustine District Park in her honour.
 
Council also unanimously supported Mayor Bevilacqua’s Member’s Resolution in a Committee of the Whole (2) meeting on June 16 calling for the August Civic Holiday, known as Benjamin Vaughan Day, to be renamed in honour of John Graves Simcoe – the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada and a leading proponent of the Act Against Slavery.
   
A Member’s Resolution was also passed proclaiming July 18 Nelson Mandela International Day in Vaughan. The day recognizes Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in: conflict resolution; race relations; promotion and protection of human rights; reconciliation; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; the fight against poverty; the promotion of social justice, as well as acknowledging his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace around the world.
 
Before this proclamation was announced, Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of Council unanimously proclaimed Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day in Vaughan during a meeting of Committee of the Whole (2) on June 16. Recognizing and observing Emancipation Day is a meaningful reminder of an abhorrent period in Canada’s history. It is also a call to action for Vaughan residents and Canadians to work toward eliminating discrimination in all its forms.
 
The City continues to champion a positive culture of diversity and inclusion through community gatherings such as its Black History Month celebration every February at Vaughan City Hall. The City’s annual Culture Days festivities, on now until Oct. 25, also honour and acknowledge the many cultures that thrive in Vaughan, including the rich traditions of the city’s African and Caribbean communities.
 
In 2018, Council endorsed the United Nations’ proclamation to designate the years 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent. As part of the City’s continued effort to strengthen cultural relations and opportunities to generate economic development with international partners, in 2019, Mayor Bevilacqua welcomed a delegation of mayors from the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
 
With a continued focus on supporting an inclusive community, in March 2019, the City became 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. The values set out in the Accord present an important opportunity to guide the City’s efforts throughout the 2018 to 2022 Term of Council and beyond. Of note, the Accord sets out a series of guiding principles on policy and governance, education and workplace readiness, and recruitment and retention practices.
 
Also, to further the City’s commitment to advancing a culture of co-operation, earlier this year, Council endorsed and adopted 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.
 
Council supported a Member’s Resolution to proclaim Jan. 21 as Lincoln Alexander Day in Vaughan as a meaningful way to recognize this formidable individual who was the first Black Canadian to be elected as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, to be appointed as a Cabinet Minister and, later, as Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario.
 
The City remains committed to working toward a shared vision that ensures members of Vaughan’s community are heard, appreciated and valued. 
  
QUOTE
“Vaughan is a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity is valued and celebrated - every day in every way. We take pride in providing an exceptional quality of life for our residents. Everyone here is encouraged to reach their full potential, actively participate in civic life and be treated with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. The Special electronic-participation Committee of the Whole meeting will be an important opportunity to have a fulsome discussion with our citizens and raise further awareness about the City’s steadfast commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.  We remain dedicated to doing our part to stand up and take meaningful action against injustice and inequality. While we have achieved much, we recognize there is still more to do. As we look toward the future, we will continue moving our city forward without leaving anyone behind.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
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