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 Linda Stewart, Chair
Gordon To Kevin Koo Jobson Easow Staff L. Gold, Assistant to Committee/Council |
Regrets Warren Ali Councillor Erin Shapero |
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.