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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 9, 2013 (DraftAttendees: Kirk Mark, Community Appointee — Left @ 7:40 pm C. Harper, Pickering Public Library Devorah Garland, Aids Committee of Durham Devinder Panesar, Community Appointee Catherine Reidt, Community Appointee Jacob Yacoumidis, Community Appointee Dave Marlowe, Staff Representative Renee Michaud, Recording Secretary Debbie Shields, City Clerk and Staff Representative Minutes /Meeting Summary Advisory Committee on Diversity Thursday, May 9, 2013 7:00 pm Library Boardroom Guest: Sophia Bittar, Welcome Centres Rebecca Rodrigue, Durham Region Unemployed HELP Centre Absent: Councillor Ashe Tanya Ryce, Staff Representative Carlisle Miller, Community Appointee Preet Panesar, [YOU]nity group Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items /Status Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introduction DRPS Representative D. Shields welcome everyone. It was noted that the DRPS staff representative, Anil Maharaj, was unable to attend the meeting. 2. Review and Adoption of the, Agenda All Moved by Kirk Mark Seconded by Catherine Reidt That the agenda be approved as amended. Item 7.0 Terms of Reference will be deferred to the June meeting. Carried 3. Review and Adoption of Minutes Moved by Catherine Reidt Seconded by Jacob Yacoumoudis Page 1 CORP0228 -2/02 Page 2 CORP0228 -2/02 That the minutes of the March 7, 2013, meeting be approved. Carried 4. Presentation Sophia Bittar - Welcome Centre Sophia Bittar, Community Liaison with the Welcome Centre, Immigrant Services provided an overview of the services offered at both the Ajax and Pickering locations. She mentioned that Councillor Ashe suggested she attend one of our meetings to inform the committee members and other organizations about their services. The Welcome Centre Immigrant Services are a Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) funded initiative. CIC confirmed the establishment of two Welcome Centres in Durham in December 2010. These centres provide newcomers with a one -stop shop for all their settlement needs. The core services provided by the Centres include employment supports, accreditation information, interpretation services, settlement services, English language classes and language assessment. Community agencies and organizations are invited to apply to provide services through the Welcome Centre. These services will focus on eliminating barriers and contributing to the successful settlement and integration of newcomers. S. Bittar noted that they work closely with the Durham Region Unemployed HELP Centre for job placement and mentoring. The Interpretation Services also provide translation services in over seven (7) languages. Newcomers can usually access this service via teleconferencing and soon via video conferencing. The governance team of the Durham Welcome Centre Immigrant Services include: Community Development Council Durham (Ajax lead), Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre (Pickering lead), Durham District Catholic District School Board (Continuing Education), Durham District School Board (Continuing Education), and the LDIPC (currently represented by the Region of Durham). They have partnered with many local organizations and are looking to expand the outreach program to better serve the needs of newcomers. The Pickering Public Library is now an approved partner. There is no duplication of services within their organization. Page 2 CORP0228 -2/02 Page 3 CORP0228 -2/02 She noted that both centres prepare monthly newsletters and encourage everyone to sign up at infoCaD-welcomecentre.ca . K. Mark enquired how the Centre supports new immigrants when faced with dealing with misinformation from the government, promising them a better life in Canada. Many of them struggle when they first arrive and become disappointed that they are not able to establish themselves as easily as expected. S. Bittar advised that their role is to promote the programs and work with the Canadian and foreign embassies to ensure that newcomers are aware of expectations upon arrival. K. Mark also enquired about the Fairness Commission and how R. Rodrigue to provide organizations are liaising with them. Rebecca Rodrigue update at next mentioned that she will follow -up and advise at the next meeting. meeting. S. Bittar noted that the Ontario Council of Agencies Service Clerk's office to Immigrants ( OCASI http: / /ocasi.org_� is a very powerful contact OCASI to organization and suggested to refer concerns to them. invite them for the June meeting if K. Mark suggested that we invite them to a future meeting to possible. better understand their roles and responsibilities. D. Panesaar mentioned that she has heard positive feedback from friends who are newcomers. They were especially pleased with the information about schooling and noted that they felt comfortable at the Welcome Centre and appreciated that there is a babysitting service available while they meet with the support workers. It also gives them a greater sense of community and an opportunity to meet other people. D. Shields thanked Sophia Bittar for attending the meeting and sharing this information with the committee. 5. Business Arising from the Minutes Update on Events -Tea and Talent Night - February 22nd nd D. Garland mentioned that the 2 Annual Tea and Talent Night was well attended with 16 -20 people and the guest readers. The event was held at the Pickering Public Library and they were very helpful in promoting the event. Page 3 CORP0228 -2/02 The focus was to celebrate Black History month and the rich culture and talent in Pickering. She would like to see more partnership with other community organization in the future as well as broaden the advertising. C. Reidt suggested that since. the Tea and Talent Night event should be held after the Heritage Day event, where it could be promoted to a larger audience. Further discussion followed on whether the Tea and Talent Night event should be a part of Heritage Day, but it was agreed to keep it separate. D. Garland enquired if the Tea and Talent Night event could become part of an annual event supported by the Advisory Committee on Diversity. D. Shields mentioned that the Advisory Committee already has 2 events and staffing and budget would have to be approved by Council to include a 3rd event. She indicated that part of the pilot project is to review how committees plan events. She is drafting a policy to establish guidelines on creating events and protocols to be followed. She noted that the committee members can provide support through advertising at their events and by having the Council representative announce the event at meetings. However, a this time, the committee cannot add another event to their workplan. D. Garland advised that she will be developing a plan for the 2014 Tea and Talent Night and present it at the September meeting. The Pickering Public Library has agreed to host tF event again in 2014. Heritage Day — February 23rd Committee members reported that the event was very well attended with a lot of activities. More surveys were collectec by the students of [YOU]nity group. Diversity Forum — March 20th T. Ryce was not available to provide an update, but committ( members who attended this event provided positive feedbacl CORP0228 -2/02 Page 5 CORP0228 -2/02 D. Shields mentioned that approximately 30 surveys were Clerk's office to collected from the Italian Social Club at one of their recent request update from T. gathering. Committee members requested a summary update Ryce. on the surveys collected to date. Wellness Forum J. Yacoumidis provided an update from the sub - group. Plans are moving forward with the event being planned in collaboration with the Pickering Recreation Complex Anniversary which is being held on Saturday, September 21, 2013. The event is being promoted as "Total Wellness Forum ", and will be located on the 2nd Floor Gallery area. They have confirmed a number of speakers and community organizations have already signed up for a booth. There are still about five spots available and the committee needs a Master of Ceremony (MC) and a number of volunteers. R. Rodrigue volunteered to assist to greet speakers. D. Garland recommended that R. Rodrigue as MC for the event. J. Yacoumidis to inform sub -group and confirm for the selection of the MC. He indicated that T. Ryce has a complete list of - outstanding planning items. D. Shields mentioned that she D. Shields to follow -up would contact her to request that she provide an updated task with T. Ryce list to the committee members. 6. Correspondence All No correspondence. 7 Terms of Reference All This item was deferred to the June 13th meeting. 8. OtlierBusmess _ _ All Aboriginal event in Ajax D. Garland circulated a flyer promoting an upcoming event hosted by the Aboriginal Peoples Gathering Series and mentioned that she would like to see a similar event in Pickering. Page 5 CORP0228 -2/02 The Aboriginal Group has also expressed interest in attending our meetings and perhaps becoming part of the advisory committee on Diversity. D. Shields mentioned that any changes to the committee structure and mandate have to be reviewed and approved by senior management and Council. After discussion, it was agreed to invite the Aboriginal Group to D. Garland to follow -up a meeting in September. D. Garland to provide contact name with contact name. to D. Shields. Ribfest and Canada Day It was the consensus of the committee that these type of events were not appropriate to collect surveys. Durham — LGBTQ & PFLAG Group D. Marlowe circulated a brochure from the Durham LGBTQ Communities Involved Committee (CIC). The goal of the CIC is to bring various Durham Region agencies and groups together to inspire positive change toward healthy community development. The committee also acts as a resource for organizations, groups, residents and local government and, in its advocacy role, the committee works to increase awareness of LGBTQ issues across Durham. It was suggested the committee should invite the organization D. Marlowe to contact to a future meeting. It was agreed to contact the sub -group PFLAG to extend an PFLAG and invite them for the June 13th meeting. invitation. Meeting Adjourned: 8:45 pm Copy: City Clerk Page 6 CORP0228 -2/02