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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 12, 2006 Page 1 Minutes PICKERING ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON RACE RELATIONS & EQUITY January 12, 2006 7:00 PM Chair – Councillor Pickles Attendees: Councillor David Pickles Fred Gibson, Community Appointee Kirk Mark, Community Appointee Margaret Lazaras, Glengrove Public School Joe Mitschang, Durham Regional Police Service Kim Kranc, City of Pickering Debbie Watrous, Committee Coordinator Guests: Rowena Kirk Dale Lynch Regrets: Jacqueline Moriarty, Community Appointee Malvina Ram, Community Appointee Nazneen Dindar, Durham District School Board Lisa Anne Rae, Durham Catholic District School Board Item /Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items /Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introductions Councillor Pickles welcomed members and guests to the meeting. 2. Minutes Minutes of the December 1, 2005 meeting were approved. Joe commented on the concern recorded in the minutes that the Police do not reflect the diversity of the community. He advised that the numbers are increasing but there is a problem with getting applicants. He stated that he will provide some statistics at the next meeting. Joe to provide information. 3. 2006 Committee Events Heritage Day Kim advised that participants and booths have been confirmed for the Heritage Day events scheduled for February 18th, 2006. She requested volunteers to provide coverage for the booth. Kirk offered his services from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Kirk suggested that a representative of the Raptors be invited to participate in this event. Members to advise Kim. Kim to contact. Page 2 Item /Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items /Status (include deadline as appropriate) Essay Competition and Forum Kim confirmed that the information on the essay writing contest and forum has been distribution. Councillor Pickles advised that he has been in contact with Dr. Karen Mock who has agreed to be the Keynote Speaker at the Forum. Councillor Pickles suggested that committee members provide their suggestions on the points or theme that Dr. Mock should address. Tapestry 2006 Event The next meeting of the Sub-committee is scheduled for February 7th, 2006 at 7 pm at the Recreation Complex. Volunteers are needed to assist in the organizing of the event. Rowena suggested that an Aboriginal Component be considered for this event as well as Heritage Week. Councillor Pickles requested that Cynthia Mearns, CEO, Pickering Public Library be approached and requested to provide contact information for the First Nations Chief. Members to action. Kim to action. 4. Cultural Banner Presentation Councillor Pickles advised that the Cultural Banners recognizing customs and traditions of other cultures was well received. It was suggested that faith leaders be requested to participate in future events. 5. Other Business a) Councillor Pickles commented on Kirk’s suggestion to survey the community on issues important to them. The following points were made: • contact faith leaders and cultural organizations and determine the issues, the concerns, how to meet their needs, etc. • this should be done in an informal setting • more outreach needs to be undertaken • determine how to best communicate with a diverse community Members were requested to consider the objective of this Page 3 Item /Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items /Status (include deadline as appropriate) survey. b) Kirk questioned the status of the report, which will be prepared by Councillor Pickles. Councillor Pickles advised that will include stats, what the Committee has done, outcome of survey, Christmas initiatives, etc. Councillor Pickles requested that a library representative be requested to gather statistics on the demographics of Pickering and be invited to the next meeting to provide the Committee with this information. c) A Planning representative will be invited to attend a future meeting to advise of what is planned for Pickering with respect to Seaton, Growth Management Study, etc. Kim to action. Kim to action. 4. Next Meeting Wednesday, February 15, 2006, 7:00 PM – Main Committee Room ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO CONFIRM THEIR ATTENDANCE Meeting Adjourned: 9:05PM Copy: T. J. Quinn, Chief Administrative Officer City Clerk