Whereas the United Nations proclaimed 2015-2024 the Decade for People of African Descent, an important step in the international community recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected; and,
Whereas the Town of Newmarket is member of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO), and part of the coalition of inclusive municipalities that undertake initiatives to advance social inclusion, establish policies to eradicate racism and discrimination, and promote human rights and diversity; and,
Whereas systemic barriers to full participation in our community continue to affect the lived experiences of Black Ontarians; and,
Whereas the Town of Newmarket has endorsed the Inclusion Charter for York Region, and signed a commitment to creating, “…an inclusive environment …where everyone can participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination”; and,
Whereas the Town of Newmarket, is committed to building a more inclusive community by “promoting equity, accessibility, and inclusion through our thoughts and actions in support of our growing community”; and,
Whereas the Town of Newmarket is committed to taking meaningful action to address anti-Black racism through the existing partnerships and avenues available to the Town; and,
Whereas Council’s Strategic Priorities for 2018-2022 are guided by the principles of diversity and inclusion; and,
Whereas on June 24, 2019, Council approved a Mayor’s Roundtable on Diversity and Inclusivity to continue and foster dialogue around diversity and inclusion strategies; and,
Whereas in 2018, Town staff formed a Diversity and Inclusion Working Group which is comprised of staff from all departments and management levels within the organization; and,
Now therefore be it resolved that:
- That staff be directed and authorized to create an Anti-Black Racism Task Force in accordance with the Committee Administration Policy, and the creation and approval of the Terms of Reference for this Task Force be delegated to the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer; and,
- That Terms of Reference for the Anti-Black Racism Task Force include optional provisions to support work and/or combine with other municipal task forces/ committees; and,
- That staff be directed to recruit up to ten citizen members to sit as members of the Anti-Black Racism Task Force, in accordance with the Committee Public Appointment Policy and Terms of Reference for this Task Force, and in consultation with the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association; and,
- That up to three Newmarket Council Members be appointed to sit as members of this Task Force and the appointments be delegated to the Mayor.