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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 27, 1998MINUTES A meeting of the Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations and Equity was held in the Pickering Civic Complex on Tuesday, October 27, 1998 at 6:30 p.m. Present: Councillor David Ryan Jill Foster, Pickering Library Board Mobeen Khaja, Muslim Educational Cultural Association Jane Kiyonaga, Durham Catholic District School Board Fred Gibson, Pickering Carib Canadian Cultural Association Roland Rutland, Ajax/Pickering Social Development Council Ian Weber, Community Appointee Norm Powers, Durham District School Board Philip Matsushita, Pine Ridge Secondary School Gary Ranalli, Pine Ridge Secondary School Tanya Gulliver, Social Development Council of Ajax- Pickering Pritty Patel, Pine Ridge Secondary School Tara Singh, Pine Ridge Secondary School Emily Nakada, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School Krystle Holley, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School . Steve Reynolds, Director of Culture & Recreation Debbie Kearns, Committee Co- ordinator Regrets: Jacqui Steer, William Dunbar Public School Monika Jensen, Community Appointee Paul Chiang, Durham Regional Police Services 1. Welcome and Introductions Councillor Ryan welcomed all in attendance and introductions were made. Councillor Ryan introduced, by letter from the Social Development Council of Ajax/Pickering, Ms. Tanya Gulliver. Moved by Jill Foster, seconded by Ian Weber that Tanya Gulliver be approved as the representative of the Social Development Council of Ajax/Pickering to this Committee. APPROVED -2- 2. Approval of Minutes Moved by Jill Foster, seconded by Mobeen Khaja that the Minutes of the May 5, 1998 meeting be approved as presented. APPROVED 3. Mandate and Forum for 1999 A discussion took place concerning the Mandate and Forum for 1999. The following points were considered by the Committee: Councillor Ryan suggested that since the name of the Committee is Race Relations & Equity, more consideration be given to Equity. Jane Kiyonaga advised that seniors and businesses were under profiled at the Forum and participation should be pursued. Gary Ranalli suggested that a decision be made between the forum being just an event or making a sustainable change. Steve Reynolds commented that the forum is a major event that raises public awareness of the Committee and Roland Rutland commented on the impact the forum has on the community. Norm Powers stated that this is not only an event but a process. Jane suggested that consideration be given to alternating between holding a forum one year and creating or enlarging a/the brochure or booklet the next year. Steve advised that information could be placed on the Town's Website regarding the Committee to raise public awareness. Tanya Gulliver also advised of the Social Development Council Website which could display information about the Committee. Councillor Ryan suggested that the mandate be placed on the Website. Tanya advised that the Social Development Council and the Congress of Black Women will both be holding a summit in the new year. She suggested that the Congress of Black Women may appreciate assistance with this event or may want to assist with the Committee's Forum. Roland commented on the political and financial support from the Town. He suggested that the Committee pursue grants from the Federal, Provincial Governments as well as the Corporate Level. -3- Tara Singh suggested that the Committee attempt to reach elementary kids regarding Race Relations and Equity by: a) a program that involves children assisting seniors; b) advising children of the various multi - cultural groups in the community; and c) advertising in the schools and the community. Tara stated that those in attendance at the Forum were the individuals involved and their families. She suggested advertising the event in the paper, Shaw Cable, computers in the schools, etc. Roland suggested and Norm, Gary and Ian concurred, that a full time Race Relations and Grant Co- ordinator be considered. Dave remarked that the Region of Durham should be approached concerning co- ordination of this position across the Region. Dave stated that if the Committee put forward a formal resolution to this affect he would approach the Town Council to endorse the recommendation to the Regional Council. Gary suggested and the Committee concurred that he review the Committee's Official Policy for strategic planning purposes in consultation with Dave, Jill and Steve. Jane requested that the minutes show that St. Mary Catholic Secondary School has had in the past a very active Ethno - Cultural Group, which may at this time, not be as active. Jane also concurred with Gary that a solid planning session is necessary. Tanya endorsed the idea of a part-time Race Relations Co- ordinator advising that the salary may be paid from funding organizations. Grants could be applied for for this purpose. Jill summarized the above discussion as follows: a) There is a need for strategic planning. b) Investigation of grants is worthwhile but time consuming. She suggested that the goals of the Committee are as follows: a) A strategic planning session should be held. Dave and Gary will organize. b) If a forum is to be held, equity should be considered. Phil advised that the students of Pine Ridge Secondary School have been asked to write one or two lines about `What is Equity to them'. He suggested that this be done on a larger scale, including all schools within the Town. He also suggested that a flyer could be created, to be included in the newspaper, showing the responses received. Phil stated that he would be willing to co- ordinate this at the student level. Tanya offered to contact the News Advertiser concerning their support. Ian suggested that a section of the flyer be set aside for responses from the public. Jill requested and received the Committee's support on this item. Tanya advised that December 10th, 1998 is the 50th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights and suggested that the flyer could coincide with this event. Phil suggested that a pre -amble be written for the insert and Tanya suggested the Policy and Mandate be included. Steve suggested that the seniors group and businesses be pursued for active participation on the Committee. Committee agreed to this representation plus disabled representation. Jill questioned whether a forum should be held this year. Jane suggested that this decision not be made until after the Strategic Planning session. Fred, Ian and Phil stated their full support of the forum. The Committee concurred. It was agreed in principal to continue with a forum. Gary and Dave will work towards Strategic Planning for the next meeting. 4. Other Business 1. Gary Ranalli extended an invitation to all committee members to attend Durham District School Board's celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This event will be held at the Board Offices on Thursday, December 10th, commencing at 7 p.m. 2. The Committee's Annual Brunch will be held on January 10th at 12:30 p.m. at the Mandarin Restaurant. 5. Next Meetine Thursday, November 12th at 7 p.m. in the Civic Complex, Committee Room. The meeting adjourned.