Minutes - Anti Black Racism and Anti Racism Task Force - 20211117 1
Town of Aurora
Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Mark Lewis (Chair)
Noor El-Dassouki (Vice Chair)
Edlene Antonio
Shivangi Bagga
Jennie Dekkema
Keenan Hull
Mae Khamissa
Councillor Harold Kim
Other Attendees: Techa Van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Demetre Rigakos, Manager, Human Resources
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 7:02 p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Noor El-Dassouki
Seconded by Mae Khamissa
That the agenda, as circulated by Legislative Services, be approved.
Carried
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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 October
20, 2021
Moved by Noor El-Dassouki
Seconded by Mae Khamissa
That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force meeting minutes
of October 20, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
5. Delegations
None.
6. Matters for Consideration
6.1 Memorandum from Manager, Human Resources; Re: Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion, Strategic Action Plan 2021-2024
Demetre Rigakos, Manager, Human Resources, introduced Dr. Nafeesa
Jalal, the Town’s consultant who developed the Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion Strategic Action Plan. Dr. Jalal provided a presentation to the
Task Force which included background on how the strategy was created
as well as outlined the eight goals of the strategy.
There was further discussion regarding potential changes in hiring
practices to reflect the values of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Strategic Action Plan as well as how the Town can continue to make
process in Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. There was also discussion
regarding remaining accountable to the plan and further suggestions to
improve the Town’s recruitment processes.
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Noor El-Dassouki
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1. That the memorandum regarding The Town's Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion Strategic Action Plan 2021-2024 be received; and
2. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force comments
regarding the Town's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Action
Plan 2021-2024 be received and referred to staff for consideration and
further action as appropriate.
Carried
7. Informational Items
None.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Jennie Dekkema
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Carried