FIFTH MEETING OF THE

RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE FOR 2007

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Ontario Room, Markham Civic Centre

Monday, June 4, 2007 – 7:30 p.m.

 

MINUTES

 

 

ATTENDANCE:

 

Committee

Jan Godschalk

Aisha Manji
Ghulam A. Sajan

Linda Stewart, Chair

Gordon To

Kevin Koo

Jobson Easow

 

Staff

L. Gold, Assistant to Committee/Council
Regional Councillor T. Wong

 

 

 

 

Regrets

Warren Ali

Councillor Erin Shapero
Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

 

 

The fifth meeting of the Markham Race Relations Committee in 2007 convened at 7:35 p.m. with Linda Stewart in the Chair.

 

 

1.   MINUTES OF THE MAY 7, 2007 MEETING OF THE RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE HELD IN 2007

 

The May 7, 2007 Minutes were revised to reflect “York Region Police Service Board”.

 

THE TOWN OF MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

That the Minutes of the Town of Markham Race Relations Committee meeting held on May 7, 2007, be adopted as amended.

CARRIED

 


2.         TERMS OF REFERENCE

 

The Committee discussed a Memorandum on proposed changes to the Markham Race Relations Terms of Reference prepared by the Policy Sub-Committee (memorandum attached).

 

The Committee discussed various concerns with respect to the proposed changes, the most significant being: finding qualified applicants, the extent to which the appointment process resembles the political divisions of the population, and the fact that representation by area/ward is becoming less meaningful as the Town of Markham’s demographics change.

 

The majority of the Committee strongly supported the Policy Sub-Committee’s recommended change to the Committee’s Composition.  Members indicated that having members from all Markham’s 8 wards would improve the current imbalance in ethno-cultural representation, as well as the Committee’s knowledge of key race relations issues throughout all wards of Markham.  They also felt it would enhance communication with Councillors.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That a Council adopt the following amendment to the Terms of reference of the Markham Race Relations Committee:

 

“The Committee shall be comprised of thirteen (13) members:  ten (10) members of the public -- one (1) from each of the eight (8) Wards that constitute the Town of Markham plus one (1) representative from the Mayor’s Youth Task Force and one (1) aboriginal representative -- in addition to three (3) members of Council; and one (1) senior staff representative as appointed by the CAO.“

 

And that the revised composition be phased in as the term of the current members expire.

 

3.         Policy Sub-Committee Report – Bill 124

 

The Policy Sub-Committee presented its report on Bill 124, which provides fair access to regulated professions.  They provided a list of professions that are included under the legislation and explained that the Sub-Committee’s research has revealed that there are a number of existing organizations that currently provide services for newcomers in Markham.  It was suggested that more information be collected on these services.  The Committee discussed the role it should play in regards to Bill 124.  It was agreed the Committee could play the role of a facilitator and possibly create awareness for newcomers regarding services available to them within Markham.

 


4.         Event Sub-Committee

 

Many Faces of Markham

Linda Stewart announced the 10th Anniversary of Many Faces of Markham will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2008.

 

Multicultural Event

The Event Sub-Committee informed the Committee of 3 possible initiatives.  1) A multicultural event like the City of Toronto’s Caribana or the City of Mississauga’s Carassauga Festival of Culture; 2) A smaller scale event, such as a parade; and 3) Participation in a pre-existing event or activity in such as the Markham Museum’s Multicultural Festival or the Canada Day festivities.

 

Regional Councillor Tony Wong noted he would find out more information regarding Markham Museum’s Multicultural Festival and report back to the Committee via e-mail.

 

Summer Meetings

It was noted that both the Events Sub-Committee and the Policy Sub-Committee will meet the first Monday of the month for both July and August (or as otherwise required).

 

 

5.         NEW BUSINESS

 

No report was provided on this item.

 

6.         DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

The next meeting of Committee is scheduled for Monday, September 10, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ontario Room.

 

 

7.         ADJOURNMENT

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee meeting adjourned at 9: 10 p.m.