Mayor Bevilacqua participates in National Summits on Antisemitism and Islamophobia
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City of Vaughan reaffirms its commitment to denouncing and combatting all forms of hate-based racism
On behalf of the City of Vaughan, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua participated in the federal government’s National Summit on Antisemitism on July 21 and the National Summit on Islamophobia on July 22. The virtual summits brought together a diverse group of community and political leaders, academics, activists, and members with intersectional identities within these communities. The summits are part of the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat’s national anti-racism summit series that will further the mission to take meaningful action against anti-Indigenous, anti-Asian, and anti-Black racism, along with combatting discrimination against LGBTQ2 individuals and all forms of hate.
As part of the Summit on Antisemitism, Mayor Bevilacqua participated in a panel discussion titled Combatting Antisemitism in our Communities, alongside national community leaders, including Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ CEO, Carole Saab; Ottawa Chief of Police, Peter Slowly; Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs VP (Quebec), Eta Yudin; and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre’s Executive Director, Ilona Shulman Spaar. The discussion highlighted the critical role that local leaders can exercise in shaping effective policy outcomes to combat racism in all its forms.
Diversity is one of Vaughan’s greatest strengths. The City of Vaughan continues to condemn all acts of racism and hate-motivated crimes and is committed to working to promote and defend diversity, inclusion and human rights.
In November 2019, Mayor Bevilacqua led a business mission to Israel that included a delegation of Members of Council and community stakeholders. The mission included a visit to Yad Vashem – Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The delegation also visited the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Stations of the Cross – among some of the holiest sites in the world. Improving interfaith dialogue was top-of-mind during a meeting with Emir Muhammad Sharif Odeh, head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community of the Kababir neighbourhood in Haifa. Vaughan is proudly home to the Baitul Islam Mosque, a national and international place of worship.
In November 2020, Mayor Bevilacqua called a Special Committee of the Whole meeting to address issues of racism and to further advance and raise awareness about the City’s diversity, inclusion and anti-racism efforts. On January 2021, the City welcomed its first Diversity and Inclusion Officer with a mandate to influence the corporation's activities, provide strategic guidance and advise on policies, processes and procedures related to diversity and inclusion. The ideas exchanged during the November Special Committee of the Whole meeting continue to inform the mandate of the City’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and the work undertaken by Vaughan’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
Beyond these highlighted initiatives, the City 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 staff to develop this framework.
The City places a great deal of importance on the condemnation of racism in all its forms. It continues to foster a community that is inclusive and truly appreciative of its diversity.
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“I was pleased to participate in the federal government’s Summits on Antisemitism and Islamophobia to share tangible ideas on how governments of every level can work collectively with organizations, communities and individuals to increase public awareness, enhance community security, combat misinformation and online hate, and identify new measures necessary to combat all forms of racism. In Vaughan, we are proud that diversity is among our greatest strengths. Despite being a city that promotes tolerance and diversity, acts of Antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate continue to be present. Racism – and all forms of discrimination – remain a grim reality. This is unacceptable. It is incumbent upon each of us to stand up against all forms of hate. We must never turn a blind eye. Instead, let us stare down intolerance together. 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
LEARN MORE
- Staff report: 2019 Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Business Mission to Israel
- Nov. 25, 2020 keynote address: Working together to combat racism
- Jan 8, 2021 news release Vaughan Welcomes Diversity and Inclusion Officer
- Jan. 28, 2020 news release: City reaffirms commitment to foster an inclusive community
- City of Vaughan’s Accessibility and Diversity webpage
- City of Vaughan’s 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan webpage
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