Durham Regional Council approves new anti-Black racism initiatives

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Regional Council confirmed the actionable steps the Region is taking to address anti-Black racism, diversity and inclusion—both within the corporation and the broader community—by approving Anti-Black Racism Town Hall and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Follow-Up (report 2020-COW-26). The steps outlined below are a follow-up to the anti-Black racism town hall that was held on August 6.

To ensure a strong and unified focus, the first step will be to establish a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division. The establishment of this division—with well-defined deliverables—will ensure Regional staff are appropriately equipped, structured and supported to affect change on systemic racism. Reporting into the Chief Administrative Officer, this new team will:

• Ensure a dedicated focus; enable staff to undertake broader community-facing activities; and provide co-ordination and structure to existing diversity, equity, inclusion and community development functions.
• Create clear accountabilities for both internal and external stakeholders; ensuring alignment when addressing racism, discrimination, prevention, identification and removal of barriers.
• Create an Equity and Inclusion Charter for Durham Region; work with community members to develop and deliver mutually beneficial strategies and solutions.
• Establish an Anti-Racism Task Force, with an initial focus on anti-Black racism. As a committee of Regional Council, this group will co-ordinate interdepartmental efforts to address systemic racism and promote community development.
• Co-ordinate cultural competency training for staff and council members.
• Continually champion anti-racism initiatives: internally and within the community.

Quotes

“The actionable steps outlined in this report show our commitment to addressing anti-Black racism and prejudice in Durham Region. We acknowledge there is work to be done to affect change on systemic racism. I understand that words are not enough. We will stand together to ensure our policies and programs are built on equity and opportunity. These actions are a first step in helping us make Durham Region a more welcoming and inclusive place to live and grow.”

-       John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Durham Region

“It is clear that there is a need for improvement in our current anti-Black racism, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, in order to fulfill our responsibility of addressing the impacts of racism in Durham Region. The establishment of a dedicated division and task force with well-defined deliverables will ensure that Regional staff are appropriately equipped, structured and supported to affect change on systemic racism. I look forward to seeing how these new initiatives positively impact our organization.”

-       Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer

Quick Facts

• About 7,000 people joined the anti-Black racism town hall to listen, engage and understand concerns.
• The full video recording and transcript of the event was posted online so that community members who were unable to attend could review the event.
• These initiatives support the Community Vitality priority within the Durham Region Strategic Plan.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.