HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 9, 2011
City oo Minutes/Meeting Summary
A Advisory Committee on Diversity
June 9, 2011
PICKERING 7:00 pm
Pickering Civic Complex, Meeting Room 4
Attendees: Kirk Mark, Chair, Community Appointee
Catherine Reidt, Co-Chair, Community Appointee
Christy Harper, Pickering Public Library
Jacob Yacoumidis, Community Appointee
Devinder Kaur Panesar, Community Appointee
Lyndon Greene, Durham Regional Police Service
Prem Noronha-Waldriff, City of Pickering
Renee Michaud, Recording Secretary
Absent: Councillor Ashe
Carlisle Miller, Community Appointee
Keith Richards, Durham Regional Police Service
Anusheh Awad, Pine Ridge Secondary School [YOU]nity
Fred Gibson, Pickering Carib Canadian Cultural Association
Sylvie Morel-Foster, Durham Catholic District School Board
Cheryl Rock, Durham District School Board
Alma Sandoval, Hispanic Canadian Alliance of Ontario
• Margaret Lazarus, Valley Farm Public School
Renee Premdas [YOU]nity
Lalita Persaud [YOU]nity
Cecil Armnauth, Devi Mandir
Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status
Ref # (summary of -discussion) (include' deadline as
a ro riate
1. Welcome & Introductions
K. Mark welcomed everyone and recommended a change to
the agenda to add the presentation from Neil...., from
Durham College as Item 1.1.
Item 1.1 -Community Survey
Neil stated that his role with this project would be to engage
the students enrolled in the second year Law & Security and
Police Foundation program to conduct the community survey
based on the questions developed by the committee.
This is a great initiative as we can combine the resources
from the faculty and the City. Neil mentioned that he works
close) with the Durham Regional- Police Service DRPS
Page 1
CORP0228-2/02
• \1
crime unit. The timing is good as it would allow him to
incorporate this into the work plan for the next semester.
These students are experienced and mature which is a great
advantage for this type of project.
Discussion followed on the scope and types of questions to
be included in the survey. The committee agreed that the
survey should focus on a few aspects of diversity, such as
race and class/background. The project can then be
extended to other scope areas over the next 3 years.
Neil indicated that the survey should also include
comparables with other communities identifying service gaps
within cities and the targeted age group.
It was noted that diversity also includes white Caucasian
people and they should be included in the survey, as they are
often overlooked.
The committee discussed the area covered by the survey
and it was agreed that the target area to reach certain
demographics would have to be determined.
Neil offered assistance to consult with researchers and
develop questions for the survey which would fit within the
scope selected.
Additional discussions ensued on the data to be used to
formulate questions based on the type of crime, i.e. hate
crime due to race, religion, etc.
It was further noted that other major factors to consider are
the attitude and behavior towards others as a result of
economic conditions creating lower employment.
Neil to forward draft questions and work plan to Marisa for
distribution to the committee members for their review and
comments.
C. Reidt suggested holding another meeting to finalize the
survey questions. Committee members are encouraged to
review the draft survey questions.
K. Mark agreed that a working group should be established to
finalize the survey before the next meeting in September.
Committee members will be notified of upcoming meetings
for the working group.
Page 2
CORP0228-2/02
2. Agenda & Minutes
Review & Approval of Agenda:
The agenda was reviewed and approved with the above noted
recommendation.
Moved by Catherine Reidt
Seconded by Jacob Yacoumidis
Carried.
Review & Approval of Minutes:
I
Moved by Christy Harper
Seconded by Catherine Reidt
That the minutes of the May 12, 2011, meeting of the Advisory
Committee on Diversity be approved.
Carried.
Business Arising from Minutes:
K. Mark reviewed the action items. C. Harper mentioned that the
LGBTQ is very pleased with the positive support from the City of
Pickering with regards to participating in the flag raising event and
mentioned that the Pickering Library is one of only 3 libraries in
Durham region involved with this organization.
3. Correspondence
No correspondence.
4. New Business
Committee Mandate & Terms of Reference:
The committee reviewed the Mandate and Terms of Reference.
Discussion followed on the definition of diversity and the item in
the terms of reference which states that the committee would
receive and review data regarding incidents of prejudice or
conflicts.
Moved by Jacob Yacoumidis
Seconded by Christy Harper
That the Mandate & Terms of Reference be approved.
Carried.
Page 3
CORP0228-2/02
2011/12 In Your Words & Expressions Contest Statement:
Prem circulated a copy of the statements used over the past
few years to encourage students to participate in the contest.
Discussion ensued on possible statements. The committee
agreed to recommend the following:
"Everyone in Pickering is unique, and we all share....."
Moved by Catherine Reidt
Seconded by Christy Harper
That the above statement be submitted for consideration as the
statement for the 2012 contest.
Carried.
K. Mark mentioned that he has been in contact with Mr. Kamara
of Canadian Cup of African Caribbean Nations after his
presentation at the last meeting. They are finalizing the details
of the Cultural Festival Day in July 2011 and will be sending us
more information in the next few weeks.
5. Next Meeting & Adjournment
Next Meeting: September 8, 2011 at 7 pm.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:10 pm
Copy: Mayor
Members of Council
CAO
City Clerk
•
Page 4
CORP0228-2/02