HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 12, 2026Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce
Meeting Minutes
Electronic Meeting
February 12, 2026 - 07:00 PM
Present:
C. Bussue
D. David
D. Dill
Z. Donaldson
A. Fraser
P. Martin
S. Mascoll
O. Williams
A. MacGillivray, Council & Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary)
A. Periera, Coordinator, Community Energy Management
D. Yew Woon, Community Engagement Coordinator, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Regrets:
V. Shaw
Call to Order/Roll Call
D. David called the meeting to order, introduced newly appointed Member Christine
Bussue, and read the Land Acknowledgment.
Review and Approval of Agenda
Moved By Donovan Dill
Seconded By Paul Martin
That the Agenda for the February 12, 2026 Meeting of the Pickering Anti-Black Racism
Taskforce Meeting be approved.
Carried
Disclosure of Interest
No disclosures of interest were noted.
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Adoption of Minutes
Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2026
Moved By Odessa Williams
Seconded By Donovan Dill
That the Minutes of the January 8, 2026 Meeting of the Pickering Anti-Black Racism
Taskforce be approved.
Carried
Presentations
City of Pickering Community Energy Efficiency Programs
A. Pereira, Community Energy Management Coordinator
A. Pereira spoke to the City of Pickering's Community Energy Efficiency Programs,
highlighting the Durham Greener Homes program, the Energy Affordability Program,
and the CLEAResult Home Winterproofing Program.
Discussion ensued amongst the Taskforce regarding:
whether there was data collected to understand who is utilizing these
programs;
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whether there were strategies to reach marginalized and/or racialized
communities; and,
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whether attending community events, including the Black Health and Wellness
Day, could be considered as part of the outreach strategy.
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A. Pereira was requested to send any program flyers for the programs
mentioned to the Taskforce. The Taskforce was encouraged to contact A.
Pereira with any additional community groups that could benefit from
information regarding the programs mentioned.
Delegations
There were no delegations.
General Business
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Introduction to the Taskforce: Christine Bussue
D. David mentioned that they had introduced new appointed member Christine
Bussue earlier in the meeting, and indicated that staff would be in contact with C.
Bussue regarding onboarding and orientation.
2026 Planning and Ideas
2026 Black History Month Initiatives
D. David and O. Williams provided an update to the Taskforce regarding
the Black History Month Celebration that occurred at Milestone Christian
Centre, Ajax on February 3, 2026, highlighting:
the over 350 attendees;•
the entertainment, including the steel pan pre-show;•
the various speakers;•
the community partners at the event including Durham Regional
Police Services and Lakeridge Health; and,
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the food provided at the event.•
Informing the PABRT 2026 Workplan
D. David provided an overview of the Work Plan and Year End Report that
was being drafted including:
the signature events including the Black Joy Holiday Market and the
International for People of African Descent and the need to
effectively promote the events;
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Clarification regarding the Taskforce's Work Plan would cover to the
end of 2026 despite being being the year of a municipal election;
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the inventorying and pursuit of additional promotional items to bring
to Taskforce events;
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the continued work on the Consultation and Co-Design: Anti-Black
Racism Strategy project; and,
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the need to include support for Durham Region's Emancipation Day
Celebration.
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Moved By Paul Martin
Seconded By Christine Bussue
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February 12, 2026
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That the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce endorses the following
events as part of their 2025 Year End Report and 2026 Work Plan:
• Durham Region Emancipation Celebration;
• International Day for People of African Descent; and,
• The Black Joy Holiday Market.
Carried
Discussion ensued amongst the Taskforce regarding:
the Taskforce's involvement in partner collaborations, and whether a
motion by the Taskforce was required; and,
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the typical process for approving City Taskforce/Committee Year-
End Reports and Workplans by approving the draft document in its
entirety.
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D. David indicated that the Year-End Reports and Workplan was
currently being drafted and that the draft would be forwarded to the
Taskforce for review once completed in advance of a future meeting.
City Update: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
D. Yew Woon provides updates pertaining to the City's Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion initiatives, including:
Council's approval of Azmi and Warner Consulting for the Consultation and
Co-Design: Anti-Black Racism Strategy;
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the Toronto Caribbean Carnival workshop happening on February 26, 2026
from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Pickering Public Library Central Branch;
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an event collaboration between the City of Pickering and Melanin Skate Crew
that is being developed, and whether the Taskforce would like to be involved;
and,
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the Black History Month Calendar available at pickering.ca/bhm and
pickeringlibrary.ca/bhm.
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Subcommittee Updates
Community Engagement
A. Fraser provided an update, highlighting Black Lit Durham, which will be
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holding the Canadian Black Literacy Festival on Saturday, August 29,
2026. A. Fraser indicated that there may be an opportunity for the
Taskforce to collaborate on the event.
Correspondence
There was no correspondence.
Other Business
D. Dill asked whether or not there may be upcoming Subcommittee meetings
scheduled. D. David indicated that Subcommittee meetings would occur following the
finalization of the Work Plan.
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Next Meeting - March 5, 2026
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Dated this 12th day of February, 2026.
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