Mayor Bevilacqua: Working together to combat racism
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Special Committee of
the Whole meeting was held to advance Vaughan’s anti-racism initiatives
The following statement was issued by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua after a Special Committee of the Whole meeting was held to address issues of racism and further advance the City of Vaughan’s diversity, inclusion and anti-racism efforts:
The following statement was issued by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua after a Special Committee of the Whole meeting was held to address issues of racism and further advance the City of Vaughan’s diversity, inclusion and anti-racism efforts:
“After coming together in today's virtual setting, we are
reminded of how the past twelve months have brought no shortage of unexpected
challenges. While the world continues to battle COVID-19 – there is another
disease that is still far too present – that has claimed far too many innocent
lives – and that must be eradicated – and that disease is racism.
"The global community is once again gripped by an issue
that is not new. Rooted in centuries of systemic inequality and perpetuated by
gross and ill-minded ignorance, anti-Black 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 be accountable
for our actions and inactions. We must never turn a blind eye. Instead, let us
stare down intolerance together. This includes parents and the children they
raise – educators and the students they teach – spiritual leaders and the
faithful they lead – voters and the representatives they elect. As a member of
the York Regional Police Services Board, I know Chief MacSween and our brave
men and women in uniform are determined to combat hate crime, keep people safe
and remain a trusted and welcomed presence in our communities.
"In Vaughan, we acknowledge that our community is not exempt
from these realities. As a city, as a country, and as citizens of this world,
we can and must do better. To demonstrate Vaughan's resolve to oppose racism, I
called today's special meeting. This marks another milestone in our commitment
to ensure Vaughan is a place where all people can be true to themselves. Only
through open, accountable and transparent democratic processes can we
adequately address an issue so many people experience in their daily lives.
"Over the summer months, I joined Councillors by taking a
knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Grassroots movements
of concerned citizens are raising the level of debate and serving as a catalyst
for action. Thank you for writing to us. We hear your concerns, and we are
taking immediate action.
"The City of Vaughan is committed to proactively address
challenges head-on. The Vaughan Accord – which was first adopted a decade ago –
commits all Members of Council 'to promote unity through diversity as a
characteristic of Vaughan citizenship.' In Vaughan, people are
empowered to realize, pursue and achieve their aspirations – no matter their
culture, creed, or where they were born.
"Today, we were joined by representatives from the
provincial and federal governments, including Vaughan-Woodbridge MP Francesco
Sorbara – a committed public servant who is championing all Vaughan residents'
interests as well as Nisha Haji from the Province’s Anti-Racism Directorate. We
also heard from the Honourable Jean Augustine – Canada's first female African-Canadian
Member of Parliament and cabinet minister, and Ontario's first Fairness
Commissioner. Ms. Augustine was recently bestowed with the Key to the City. The
Jean Augustine Complex and Jean Augustine District Park have been named to
recognize her life-long commitment to public service. Jean and I met as
candidates, served as caucus colleagues and remain friends.
"From my days in Ottawa, I championed legislation to
advance multiculturalism and safeguard Charter rights. I watched from my seat
in the House of Commons as Nelson Mandela delivered an address to Canada's
Parliament, shortly after being released from prison. And I would later stand
in support of making President Mandela an Honourary Canadian citizen. As a
Member of Parliament, I took a stand against xenophobia by calling for higher
immigration levels. Ideas like that hit home.
"Nearly half of Vaughan's population was born abroad. Our
citizens speak 105 different languages. All of us on Council are either
immigrants or are descendants of immigrants. We intimately understand the
sacrifices our families made so we could call Canada home. I saw first-hand the
sacrifices my parents made, especially my late father, who wanted nothing but
the best for his wife and children.
"During my December 2018 inaugural address, I first
announced creating a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Serving alongside
Members of Council on the task force are members of the public who reflect our
city and country's diversity. The ideas exchanged today will inform the work
undertaken by the task force. This working group chaired by Councilor Tony
Carella is a forum for discussions to continue the dialogue and turn ideas into
results.
"What we heard will also shape the mandate of the City's
first-ever Diversity & Inclusion Officer. I look forward to announcing the
successful candidate in the near future. The early months of this new Term of
Council also saw the approval of a new Strategic Plan. Active, Safe and
Diverse Communities is a crucial Strategic Priority. We see this goal
delivered on throughout the corporation.
"Our many proclamations and flag raisings bring people
together and bring out the best in our community. Our City's Cultural Heritage
Events include Black History Month, National Indigenous Month and Jewish
Heritage Month, in addition to Lunar New Year, among many other
much-anticipated events. These occasions are about enriching, engaging and
educating the entire community and to further understand past injustices.
"We want to ignite an unwavering sense of mission in our
citizens to do their part to build a tolerant society. We are working with the
Huron-Wendat Nation on a memorandum of understanding to strengthen engagement
and consultation between this important indigenous community and the City's
planning and development efforts. Grand Chief Konrad Sioui of the Huron-Wendat
Nation is a friend and important city-building partner to all of us.
“In 2019, the City of Vaughan 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.
"Since 2010, the City has welcomed representatives of 110
countries and participated in 11 international economic development missions.
This week coincides with the first anniversary of a Vaughan business mission to
Israel that included a delegation of Councillors and stakeholders. For more
than 25 years, the cities of Vaughan and Ramla, Israel, have maintained an
important international partnership. I renewed this partnership with Ramla
Mayor Michael Vidal when we signed an MOU to advance shared cultural opportunities
and experiences between both our cities. Strengthening the Vaughan-Ramla
relationship signifies the enduring importance of local Israel and the Jewish
diaspora. We made pilgrimages to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre and the Stations of the Cross – these are among some of the holiest,
most sacred sites in the world.
"Improving interfaith dialogue and pluralism was at the
heart of our 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.
During a heart wrenching and sobering visit to Yad Vashem – Israel's official
memorial to the victims of the Holocaust – we were reminded of the unthinkable
crimes committed against humanity that was fueled by racism, ignorance and
anti-Semitism.
"I am proud that both Vaughan and York Region Council
adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition
of anti-Semitism. Joining Ms. Augustine as one of a select few recipients of
the Key to the City is Max Eisen. Mr. Eisen is a Holocaust survivor, author and
human rights activist who was invested into the Order of Vaughan last year. And
whether it's the Order of Vaughan – the Key to the City – the Civic Hero
Awards, or the Volunteer Recognition Awards – these honours pay tribute to
people for their selfless contributions rooted in respect, service and
compassion.
"As we draw closer to the end of 2020, let us remember that
back in January, we marked the promise of the new year by endorsing the Vaughan
Inclusion Charter – a community initiative to create a fair, just and equal
environment for all. While we have achieved much, we recognize there is still
more to do.
"May what we heard today give voice to others and encourage
them to speak up. And rest assured, your Council is listening. The entire
public was invited and encouraged to tell their personal experiences with
racism, offer insights, and make a meaningful contribution. I extend my warmest
and sincerest gratitude and appreciation to all our speakers today.
"Last year, I went to Atlanta, Georgia, to visit the home
where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived, the church where he preached and the
tomb where he rests. As I paid my respects, I could hear the words of his
timeless speech, 'I have a dream.'
"It is in this spirit that I am reminded of our mission to
continue moving our city forward without leaving anyone behind."
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