Vaughan creates new Diversity and Inclusion Officer role
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Senior-level position to provide corporate-wide strategic leadership
As part of Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua and Council’s ongoing efforts to advance an agenda of
diversity, inclusion and accessibility, the City of Vaughan has established the
new position of a Diversity and Inclusion Officer with the corporation.
The Diversity and
Inclusion Officer is a senior-level, full-time permanent employment opportunity
supported by the City’s existing Accessibility and Diversity Co-ordinator. The
new role resides in the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, reporting
directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer.
A
public recruitment effort is underway to select a successful candidate. The selected
Diversity and Inclusion Officer 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.
Among other
responsibilities, the Diversity and Inclusion Officer will support the
Diversity and Citizen Engagement Task Force, the existing Accessibility
Advisory Committee and other Council meetings.
Establishing the Diversity and Inclusion Officer opportunity marks
another milestone for the City, ensuring corporate programs and services
embrace and reflect the diversity that thrives throughout Vaughan. These
efforts include developing an Inclusion and Diversity Framework and creating a
Diversity and Citizen Engagement Task Force. In January 2020, Mayor Bevilacqua also
signed the Vaughan Inclusion Charter, in support of the Inclusion Charter for
York Region, to promote and celebrate human rights and accessibility. The Charter
also strengthens the sense of belonging for everybody in the community to
ensure they all have access to the same opportunities.
During a meeting of Committee of the Whole (2) on June 16, 2020,
Committee endorsed the renaming of the August Civic Holiday in honour of John
Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, and a leading
proponent of the Act Against Slavery.
In a recent Council meeting on June 29, Mayor Bevilacqua was pleased
to announce that 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. 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 the Jean Augustine Complex and the Jean Augustine District Park in her
honour.
People in Vaughan, and around the world, are mobilizing in unity
against anti-black racism, discrimination and inequality in all its forms. As a
safe, welcoming and inclusive community that champions multiculturalism and
diversity, the City stands in ongoing solidarity and condemnation against all
forms of discrimination and injustice. The City works closely with residents,
community organizations and other government levels to take meaningful action
against all inequalities.
QUOTE
“Establishing the new Diversity and Inclusion Officer leadership position
signals to the entire community our unwavering commitment to ensure Vaughan
remains an inclusive, dynamic and thriving community. We take great pride in
providing an exceptional quality of life. Everyone is encouraged to reach their
full potential, actively participate in civic life and be treated with respect,
dignity and freedom from discrimination. With the support of this new role, we
will continue moving our city forward without leaving anyone behind. The Diversity
and Inclusion Officer will be fundamental to our ongoing efforts. I look
forward to advancing our promising city-building agenda.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK
FACTS
- Vaughan has a diverse community. In fact, nearly half of the city’s population was born abroad and 105 different languages are spoken in Vaughan.
- Recognizing history and heritage months and flag-raisings are just some of the many ways the City demonstrates its commitment to fostering a greater sense of community, awareness and appreciation for the diversity of cultures, creeds and faiths that thrive throughout the city.
LEARN
MORE
- Jan. 28, 2020 news release: City reaffirms commitment to foster an inclusive community
- June 29, 2020 Mayor’s Statement: Jean Augustine to receive Key to the City
- July 13, 2020 staff communication: Diversity and Inclusion Officer
- City of Vaughan’s Accessibility and Diversity webpage
- City of Vaughan’s 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan webpage
- Inclusion Charter for York Region webpage
- Diversity and Inclusion Officer posting
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