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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 10, 2011ii PI rK I ~ Minutes Advisory Committee on Diversity February 10, 2011 7:00 pm Meeting Room 4 Attendees: Councillor Ashe Kirk Mark, Chair, Community Appointee Carlisle Miller, Community Appointee Devinder Kaur Panesar, Community Appointee Catherine Reidt, Community Appointee Jacob Yacoumidis, Community Appointee Anusheh Awad, Pine Ridge Secondary School [YOU]nity Margaret Cazarus, Valley Farm Public School Christy Harper, Pickering Public Library Marisa Carpino, City of Pickering Linda Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: Cheryl Rock, Durham District School Board Renee Premdas [YOU]nity Lalita Persaud [YOU]nity Keith Richards, Durham Regional Police Service Alma Sandoval, Hispanic Canadian Alliance of Ontario Fred Gibson, Pickering Carib Canadian Gultural Association Sylvie Morel-Foster, Durham Catholic District School Board Item / RG'f Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion)" Action Items / Status (inc/ude deadline as , appropriate) 1.0 Welcome All K. Mark welcomed members and guests to the meeting and introductions were made around the table. He then introduced Audrey Andrews, the first delegation from the Region of Durham. Audrey Andrews, Manager, Diversity & Immigration Program with the Region of Durham, appeared before the Committee and through the use of a power point presentation provided an overview of the Durham Immigration Portal. She explained the objectives of the Durham Immigration Portal, which is an online information bank which facilitates and • supports the integratian of new residents and businesses into the Region. She noted this is a collaboration that involves numerous agencies and organizations from both public and private sectors, noting M. Carpino's involvement with the creation of this program as well. Page 1 CORP0228-2/02 She provided examples by walking the Committee through the website, reviewing the various sections and links as well . as the various tools. She also provided handouts of their publication. A question and answer period ensued. K. Mark introduced the next delegation, Rizwan Mohammad and Nelson O'Sullivan, representatives from Muslim Youth Canada and the Canadian Council of Muslim Women. R. Mohammad addressed the Committee with respect to the " issue of bringing youth together from all diverse communities. He explained their goal to explore a means to put together a forum in this area and urged the Committee to share their thoughts in this respect. General discussion ensued with the following suggestions being made; • offer an opportunity for youth to interact other than in a classroom oriented environment • providing information is the toughest challenge • food sampling 0 library - access teen services through the Pickering Public Library C. Harper to action • host a heritage day/week in schools • engage in dialogue - building relationships - how can they evolve to become leaders • attend the March Break Camp hosted by [YOU]nity on March 17 and 18 • long term youth strategy 0 document findings K. Mark provided a brief overview of the Forum the Committee hosts each year in March. M. Carpino noted that the City of Pickering is currently working on a Cultural Strategic Plan. 2.0 Agenda/Approval of Minutes AI1 Moved by J. Yacoumidis Seconded by C. Miller That the Minutes of the January 6, 2011 meeting of the Advisory Committee on Diversity be approved. Carried. CORP0228-2/02 Page 2 K. Mark reviewed the action items. M. Carpino provided an update with respect to a potential partnership with Durham College to assist in the survey. She noted we need an overview of what we want, with some suggestions- being made; • not too long • more focused approach - choose one or two topics • define "diversity" • measurable goals Moved by C. Reidt Seconded by J. Yacoumidis That the Committee recommends that the position of an ombudsperson be considered as a way to promote positive community relations. Carried It was suggested that the following be incorporated into the workplan; 1) Engage in a partnership with Durham College with respect to the survey 2) Assessment of ombudsperson position M. Carpino noted there are still updates to be made with respect to the mandate and terms of reference. She noted she would draft a 2011 workplan for discussion at the March M. Carpino to action meeting. 3:0 Corre0ondence All 1) K. Mark provided a number of hand outs with respect to information regarding Black History Month. 2) L. Roberts provided a handout with respect to a celebration concert to be held on February 12 hosted by Club Carib of Oshawa Inc. 4.0 " New Business Event Updates M. Carpino provided an update with respect to Heritage Day which is taking place on February 26th at the Pickering Town Centre. She provided the Committee with a copy of the itinerary for the day. She noted two additional participants which were not listed. K. Mark su ested Audre Andrews M. Car ino to action CORP0228-2/02 Page 3 from the Region of Durham be invited to participate as well. All members were encouraged to participate and the following members volunteered as follows: J. Yacoumidis -11:00 am - 2:00 pm C. Reidt -11:00 am - 2:00 pm C. Miller - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Councillor Ashe - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm C. Harper -12:30 pm - 3:00 pm K. Mark - 12:00 pm 'M. Carpino provided an update with respect to the writing contest. She noted the winners have been selected. There was a great representation of schools this year. The keynote speaker for this year will be Shelley-Ann Brown from Pickering. Invitations have gone out to the schools. A. Awad provided an update with respect to [YOU]nity. She noted the March Break Camp will take place March 17th & 18t". The schedule has been done. M. Carpino explained the various means of advertising and of#ered to assist with getting the information to the schools. D. Panesar suggested tfie inclusion of additional information on the brochures explaining more detail on what is to be expected at the camp. M. Carpino will forward the information to the Committees' school board representative, noting the need for the M. Carpino to action superintendents to be informed. M. Carpino provided an update on the Terms of Reference. She noted she had canvassed the City of Toronto and the Town of Oakville. She noted she will forward the information received from Oakville via email to the members. It was the general consensus of the Committee to table the discussion of the mandate and terms of reference until the April meeting. 5:0 Next Me'etin & Ad'ournment; The next meeting will be held March 10th, 2011. K. Mark advised the Committee he will be out of the country and the Vice-Chair, C. Reidt would chair the meetin . Meeting Adjourned: 9:15 pm Copy: City Clerk Page 4 CORP0228-2/02