Minutes-Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force-20210217 1
Town of Aurora
Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Noor El-Dassouki (Chair)
Mark Lewis (Vice Chair)
Keenan Hull
Mae Khamissa
Phiona Durrant
Tricia Wright
Councillor Harold Kim
Other Attendees: Mayor Tom Mrakas
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor Michael Thompson
Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Techa Van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Phillip Rose-Donahoe, Manager, Library Square
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
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1. Procedural Notes
This meeting was held electronically as per Section 19. i) of the Town's
Procedure By-law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Item 6.2 as considered prior to Item 6.1.
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2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Mark Lewis
Seconded by Mae Khamissa
That the agenda, as circulated by Legislative Services, be approved including an
additional section for New Business.
Carried
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
4. Receipt of the Minutes
4.1 Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of January
20, 2021
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Mae Khamissa
That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force meeting minutes
of January 20, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
5. Delegations
None.
6. Matters for Consideration
6.1 Memorandum from Manager, Library Square; Re: Anti-Black Racism and
Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager, Library Square, provided an overview of the
proposed mural guidelines. The Task Force provided feedback regarding
the guidelines including various additions and deletions. There was
discussion around the language and terminology being used in the
guidelines to make sure it is inclusive for all. There was further discussion
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about the appropriate level of public engagement and type of feedback the
task force would like to receive.
The Manager of Library Square will be reporting back to Council regarding
locations for the mural, in accordance with Councillor Kim’s motion.
Moved by Phiona Durrant
Seconded by Tricia Wright
1. That the memorandum regarding the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-
Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines be received; and
2. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force comments
regarding the Mural Guidelines be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
6.2 Round Table Discussion; Re: Town Diversity and Inclusion Team
Tricia Wright spoke to this item, noting that she asked for it to be included
on the agenda because of its importance as not only a Human Resource
initiative but a business strategy. She further noted that a robust Diversity
and Inclusion Strategy at the Town is crucial in breaking down any
institutional barriers currently in place preventing people of colour from
achieving equality.
The Director of Corporate Services provided an update to the task force
noting that her Department is in the process of retaining a consultant to
complete the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. She expects a strategy to
be in place by June and for Town staff to be working with the task force
though out the process.
There was further discussion regarding the scope of work for the
consultant and the length of time the consultant will be retained by the
Town.
Moved by Tricia Wright
Seconded by Mae Khamissa
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1. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force comments
regarding Town Diversity and Inclusion Team be received and referred
to staff for consideration and action as appropriate.
Carried
7. Informational Items
None.
8. New Business
Mark Lewis informed the task force that he had been approached by the
Newmarket African Canadian Caribbean Association (NACCA) regarding a
private citizen’s concern about the lack of diversity within Central York Fire
Services.
Phiona Durrant spoke to concerns regarding the focus on the mural project thus
far in task force meetings. She noted this is one initiative, but there are many
important issues and simple matters that the task force should be considering
and discussing opportunities to improve. She concluded by noting that she felt
underprepared in terms of joining a Town appointed task force and sought
clarification on her role as a member.
Councillor Kim provided his thoughts regarding the role of task force members
as well as the details regarding the recent proclamation of Black History Month
in Aurora. Other task force members provided their thoughts about their roles
within the task force as well.
9. Adjournment
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Tricia Wright
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
Carried