SIXTH MEETING OF THE

RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE

FOR 2003

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Ontario Room, Markham Civic Centre

June 2, 2003

 

MINUTES

 

Attendance

Members                                                        Officials

Marlene Mogado (Chair)                                  Candy Davidovits, Committee Secretary

Ray Lum (Vice Chair)                                      

David Allison                                                   

Sarmi Bhadra                                                  

Jan Godschalk                                                 

Nuzhat Hussain                                    

Ashna Kohli                                                    

Gail MacRae                                                   

Moe Mohammed                                             

Regional Councillor Tony C. Wong                  

 

Regrets

 

Ashwin deXavier                                             

Huma Pabani                                                   

Beena Tandon                                                 

Rohit Ummat                                                   

Councillor Erin Shapero                                   

Councillor Khalid Usman                                 

 

 

The meeting convened at the hour of 7:35 p.m. with Marlene Mogado in the Chair.

 

 

1.         MINUTES OF FOURTH AND FIFTH MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS        COMMITTEE MEETINGS IN 2003 HELD ON APRIL 7 AND MAY 5, 2003

           

Moved by Sarmi Bhadra

Seconded by Ray Lum

 

            That the minutes of the Town of Markham Race Relations Committee meeting held on April 7, 2003, be received and the minutes of the meeting held on May 5, 2003, be adopted.

 

 


2.         REPORTS

 

·        Education Sub-Committee

 

Ashna Kohli advised the Markham Race Relations Committee that Huma Pabani has been unable to attend Committee meetings as she has a class that meets on Wednesday evenings; however, she is still participating in the work of the Sub-Committee.

 

Gail MacRae further advised the Markham Race Relations Committee that the Education Sub-Committee had not met for awhile; that members of the Sub-Committee were considering a topic related to “Living in Two Worlds” dealing with issues of concern for new immigrants; and that the next meeting of the Sub-Committee is planned to be held on June 16, 2003.

 

·        Diversity Training Sub-Committee

 

Sarmi Bhadra advised that the Sub-Committee had not had a meeting but that she had a few handouts to circulate.  Sarmi Bhadra also advised that she had just received the film “A Little Red Dot” and suggested that the members select a date to view the film and that subsequently it be shown to Town of Markham staff.  Sarmi Bhadra also requested that a copy of the film be stored at the Town of Markham.

 

The Chair suggested that the film be located in the Town of Markham Clerk’s office for safekeeping and will be guided by rules to be drafted by the sub-committee.

 

Councillor Wong advised that he would speak to the Clerk’s Office and to Human Resources with respect to this matter as this would set a precedent that would affect other committees.

 

 

Sarmi Bhadra circulated the following material:

 

(a)                copy of a document from the York Region District School Board entitled “Character Matters!”;

 

(b)               copy of an article which appeared in the Toronto Star on April 24, 2003, entitled “Race Probe Expands Focus” providing information respecting a public consultation held May 5, 2003, between members of Toronto’s Chinese and Southeast Asian communities and the Ontario Human Rights Commissioner; and

 

            (c)        material from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee received the foregoing update and material for information.

 

·        Many Faces of Markham Event Sub-Committee

 

The Chair recommended to the Markham Race Relations Committee that the recommendations contained in the document entitled “Many Faces of Markham (2003) Recommendations from Sub-Committee” be adopted.

 

Moved by Ray Lum

Seconded by Sarmi Bhadra

 

That the Recommendations contained in the document entitled “Many Faces of Markham (2003) Recommendations from Sub-Committee” be adopted.

 

·        Corporate Outreach Sub-Committee

 

Ashna Kohli advised the Markham Race Relations Committee that the Sub-Committee met recently and that the members are still working on the web site.  Ashna requested that an expression of thanks be included in the minutes to Diane Smith, the Secretary of the Markham Race Relations Committee, for recently obtaining for her a copy of the 2002-2003 Markham Business and Buyer’s Guide published by the Markham Board of Trade.

 

Ray Lum circulated a document dated May 2003 outlining three web site options for the consideration of the Markham Race Relations Committee.  He advised that this is a quick financial analysis of the options the Sub-Committee looked at.  Ray Lum further advised that in order to get going with a web presence the Sub-Committee has an agreement with the Town to have a web page on its web site.  The Sub-Committee will submit the content in the brochure to the web administrator and comments received from the public will be sent to a designated Town of Markham employee.  With this option the content will not be changed a lot.  The Sub-Committee will have something to present at the next meeting.

 

The Sub-Committee members also advised that, in addition to the web site, they are exploring other options to communicate with corporations and institutions with a view to promoting racial harmony.  Further information will be provided to the Markham Race Relations Committee at a future meeting.  Members were reminded that at a previous meeting they were asked to send to the Sub-Committee questions that could be put to the community.

 

The Chair asked Ashna to clarify the objective of the Sub-Committee in contacting the business community and what is the general content of the questions we would like to ask the Markham businesses.

 

Ashna advised that the overall purpose of the Sub-Committee is to heighten awareness of racial harmony; give some exposure to the Markham Race Relations Committee; and generate some resources.  Ray Lum added that the Sub-Committee would also want to create and foster closer relationships between the Markham Race Relations Committee and community leaders.  Ashna Kohli advised that the Sub-Committee was looking for questions that the members could generate that could be asked of politicians, church leaders and other community representatives; that it will interview several people; and that further information will be provided at the next meeting.

 

The Chair suggested that it would be nice if this issue was resolved prior to the end of 2003 and before the 2003 Municipal Election.

 

Councillor Wong expressed concern about committing future members of the Markham Race Relations Committee to this project.  He also requested the Sub-Committee to quantify the number of hours members would be expected to contribute to this project inputting the information for guidance when considering appointments for membership to the Markham Race Relations Committee.

 

Ray Lum advised that this project would be a substantial undertaking and that it is like doing a “Many Faces of Markham” event; and that if the web site is not maintained and updated the basic information will be there but it will look neglected.

 

Sarmi Bhadra suggested that the Sub-Committee also talk to Corporate Communications respecting this project.

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee requested the Sub-Committee to proceed with option 3 “Town of Markham Webpage”; that it explore other options; and report further at a subsequent meeting on the concerns expressed by Councillor Wong, and providing information on the amount of changes that would be required to be made to the web site.

 

 

3.         UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

·        Flowchart procedures when complaints about harassment are received

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee discussed the final copy of the Markham Race Relations Committee “Flow Chart for Dealing with Complaints and Conflicts.”

 

Moved by Gail McRae

Seconded by Ray Lum

 

That the recommendations contained in the final copy of the document “Markham Race Relations Committee Flow Chart for Dealing with Complaints and Conflicts” be adopted.

 

·        Approval of Markham Race Relations Brochure

 

The Chair updated members of the Markham Race Relations Committee regarding this matter and stated that she was waiting for the logo and the web address.  Ashna Kohli advised that the logo was prepared and given to Councillor Shapero months ago.  The Chair advised that she had not yet seen the logo.  The Chair suggested that someone be given the responsibility for putting the brochure together and she offered to collect the necessary information.  The Chair also requested that she be authorized to send it to Sarmi Bhadra for proofreading and then to the Town of Markham Corporate Communications for final editing.

 

Moved by Moe Mohammed

Seconded by Ray Lum

 

That the Markham Race Relations Committee authorize the Chair to take the necessary action to finalize the Markham Race Relations Brochure and to forward it to the Town of Markham Corporate Communications for final editing.

 

·        2003 Budget

 

Councillor Wong advised that the Markham Race Relations Committee got half of the budget it requested for 2003 and that in excess of $10,000.00 was put forward.  Councillor Wong suggested that the Chair should put together a report on behalf of the Markham Race Relations Committee outlining the Committee’s achievements and including a financial report and that perhaps this be done on an annual basis.

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee requested that:

 

(1)        further information respecting the 2003 budget be provided to the next meeting; and

 

(2)        all of the Sub-Committees forward their objectives to the Chair prior to the next meeting.

 

4.         OTHER BUSINESS

 

·        Many Faces of Markham 2004

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee was advised that the Markham Theatre has recommended that this event be booked by April 28, 2003.  The Chair suggested that the date for the Many Faces of Markham 2004 event be approved as the Markham Theatre is booked one year in advance.

 

Councillor Wong suggested the following dates in order of preference:

 

(1)               March 18, 2004;

(2)               March 17, 2004; and

(3)               March 25, 2004.

 

Ashna Kohli agreed to review the foregoing dates to ensure that they do not conflict with the 2004 school breaks, religious holidays and to advise Councillor Wong which date is most suitable.

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee concurred with the foregoing action.

 

·        Report by Marlene Mogado on “Submissions to the Ontario Human Rights Commission on Racial Profiling Inquiry” from the Chinese and Southeast Asian communities held May 5, 2003

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee received a presentation by the Chair respecting a submission she was invited to make to the Ontario Human Rights Commission on Racial Profiling Inquiry on May 5, 2003, and filed a copy of her written submission in regard thereto.

 

The Chair requested members of the Markham Race Relations Committee to e-mail her if they have any questions and advised that if anyone wants to contact the Ontario Human Rights Commission they may call, fax or e-mail the following:

 

            Phone No.        416-326-9511

            Fax No.           416-314-4533

            E-mail              ohrc.on.ca

 

The Chair further advised that the Ontario Human Rights Commission will be preparing a report that will be used by different agencies and social services in the community for public education purposes.

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee received the foregoing presentation.

 

 

·        Gift Basket for Diane Smith

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee members contributed towards the purchase of a gift floral plant for Diane Smith, Committee Secretary, who is presently on medical leave.  Gail MacRae volunteered to purchase a plant and to deliver it to Diane’s home on behalf of the Committee.

 

·        Request to Purchase a Book from the York Region Board of Education

 

Sarmi Bhadra provided information respecting a book entitled “Achieving True Success: How to Build Character as a Family”, circulated at a recent York Region Board of Education Race Relations Committee meeting.  Sarmi Bhadra requested that the Markham Race Relations Committee consider purchasing this book from the York Region Board of Education at a cost of $25.00.

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee requested Ashna Kohli to bring a copy of the foregoing book to the next meeting of the Committee to be held on September 8, 2003.

 

It was agreed that the cost of the book be part of the budget for a sub-committee.

 

·        Markham Race Relations Committee Dinner

 

Sarmi Bhadra provided the following information respecting the venue for the dinner to be attended by members of the Markham Race Relations Committee and some non-members who have participated on sub-committees and/or assisted with special events. It was clarified that spouses of members be invited:

 

Date:                Friday, June 27, 2003

Location:          Motimahal Restaurant

7850 Woodbine Avenue

Markham, Ontario South of Hwy 7 on Woodbine Avenue, on the West side

Time:                7:00 p.m.

 

 

5.         NEXT MEETING

 

The Markham Race Relations Committee decided to cancel its meetings in July and August as scheduled.

 

The next regular meeting of Committee will be held on September 8, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ontario Room.

 

 

6.         ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.