FIRST MEETING OF THE

RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE FOR 2008

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Ontario Room, Markham Civic Centre

Monday, January 7, 2008 – 7:30 p.m.

MINUTES

ATTENDANCE: Committee Rochelle Bowmile Linda Stewart, Chair Gordon To Ghulam A. Sajan Nisha Mehta Jobson Easow Councillor L. Kanapathi Regional Councillor T. Wong Staff Laura Gold, Committee Clerk Sharon Laing, Director of Human Resources

Regrets Aisha Manji Kevin Koo Heather Christian-Simmonds Vilvan Gunasingham

The first meeting of the Markham Race Relations Committee in 2008 convened at 7:35 PM with Linda Stewart presiding as Chair.

1. CHAIR OPENING REMARKS

The Chair welcomed Committee Members and asked if there were any additions to the agenda. The Committee agreed to add the following items to tonight’s agenda: 1) review of materials relative to Bill 130 and the Town’s Committees; 2) Maytree Foundation Presentation Follow-Up; 3) Update from the Town of Markham regarding Black History Month and the Town’s Partnership with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC).

2. MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2007 MEETING OF THE RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE HELD IN 2007

The following revisions were made to the November 5, 2007 Markham Race Relations Committee minutes:

1. The year was changed to 2008 in sections 6 a) and 7.of the minutes.

2. The spelling of the musician to perform with the keynote speaker was corrected to “Glenn Marias”

Moved by Ghulam A. Sajan

Seconded by Regional Councillor Tony Wong

“That the Minutes of the Town of Markham Race Relations Committee meeting held on November 5, 2007 be adopted as amended”.

CARRIED

3. REVIEW OF HANDOUTS

The Committee reviewed the procedures for electing a Chair and Vice Chair contained in the “Rules of Procedure Governing Statutory and Advisory Committees” booklet prepared by the Town’s Clerk’s Department. The Committee also reviewed correspondence addressed to the Committee Chair regarding the impact of Bill 130 on Town Committees. The Committee requested that the Committee Clerk provide Committee members with a copy of the Council resolutions relative to these materials and additional clarification regarding the definition of “Committee”.

4. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR

Linda Stewart, provided a brief overview of the role of the Committee Chair and the Vice Chair.

Moved by Regional Councillor Tony Wong

Seconded by Ghulam A. Sajan

“That the Markham Race Relations Committee elect Jobson Easow to the position of Chairperson and Rochelle Bowmile for the position of Vice Chairperson for a term of 12 months”.

CARRIED

Jobson Easow assumed the role of Committee Chair and thanked Members for providing him with this opportunity.

Moved by Regional Councillor Tony Wong

Seconded by Jobson Easow

“That the Markham Race Relations Committee express their deepest appreciation to Linda Stewart for her role as Chair and Ghulam A. Sajan for his role as Vice Chair for the past three years”

CARRIED

5. SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES

a) Event Sub-Committee -

The Committee was advised the planning stage of the “Many Faces of Markham” event has been completed and that the focus will now be on implementation. Linda Stewart reported that information for the cross cultural performance contest was distributed to Markham schools and dance clubs and that the deadline for submissions is January 7, 2007. She also advised that Baythorn Public School and Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy High School have committed to performing at the event. Ms. Stewart indicated she would follow up with Mayor’s Youth Task Force regarding the selection of a suitable Masters of Ceremonies (MC).

Gordon To advised that he may know someone with the expertise (and interest) to assist with the judging of the writing and art contest. He also indicated he believed the judging will occur on a Saturday morning and that submissions are typically from students from grades 1-8.

B) Policy SuB-COMMITTEE

The Committee Clerk reminded the Committee that a representative from the Government of Ontario’s Fairness Commission will be in attendance at the next meeting to provide a presentation regarding Bill 124 and the issue of fair access to employment in the broader context.

6. NEW BUSINESS

a) Maytree Foundation

The Committee indicated that the Policy Sub Committee should consider ideas presented at the last meeting by Elizabeth McIsaac, Executive Director, TRIEC (a division of the Maytree Foundation), in the formulation of its mandate. One possible key initiative proposed for the Sub-Committee was the promotion of the mentorship program among Markham organizations. It was noted that the links to organizations located in Markham (including the Town of Markham) were missing on the TRIEC web page (in the mentorship/partnership area). The Committee indicated a desire to further investigate this to ensure it is corrected.

Sharon Laing, Director of Human Resources, advised the Committee that the Town is a mentorship partner with TRIEC. She reported ideas for increasing organizational interest were needed to improve the effectiveness of the partnership.

B) TOWN OF MARKHAM UPDATE

Sharon Laing, Director of Human Resources, provided the Committee with the following update.

- Black History Month (February 2008) - The Town has scheduled the following lunch and learn session regarding Black History Month (these session are open to all staff):

Þ February 2, 2008 – The Underground Railroad (Ontario Black History Society)

Þ February 15, 2008 – Black History Presentation (Glenn Marias)

Þ February 22, 2008 – Black History in Markham (Ontario Black History Society)

Ms. Laing agreed to advise the Committee via by email if space was available for members of the Markham Race Relations Committee to attend the above-noted sessions.

- A TRIEC owned visual installation, depicting profiles of immigrants in Canada, will be displayed in the Great Hall of the Civic Centre sometime in March. The installation was last displayed in BCE Place (Toronto)

- TRIEC will provide a workshop for the Town’s management regarding recognizing cultural differences among new immigrants.

7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of Race Relations Committee is scheduled for Monday, February 4, 2008, at 7:30 PM. in the Ontario Room.

8. ADJOURNMENT

The Markham Race Relations Committee meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.