Regional Chair to host anti-Black racism town hall

Whitby, Ontario – The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham:

“Across the communities that make up the Region of Durham, we have been clear in our need to fight racism and discrimination. We work hard to build a region that is welcoming, but we know that embracing diversity and inclusion is not enough.

We need to educate ourselves on the realities of anti-Black racism and acknowledge how we have failed, in the past, to ensure equity for Black residents.

Internally, our employees are developing a corporate Anti-Black Racism Strategy and updating the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy—with engagement of employees directly impacted by racism.

Through the Durham Local Immigration Partnership, our Community Partners in Diversity have spoken about anti-Black racism, bias and discrimination in our communities and in-service delivery.

During today’s council meeting, I announced my intent to convene a virtual community town hall discussion, this summer, to better understand the scope of the situation here in Durham.

I want to know how Regional policies and programs can help address systemic anti-Black racism in our community. And I will invite members of Regional Council, senior employees, and leadership from the Durham Regional Police Service to join me for this important discussion.

This will be an open invitation for residents to share their personal experiences. For those who are unable to participate in this virtual session, they will be invited to provide input via an online format.

We want to hear your voice. This is just the beginning of a much-needed dialogue. Because racism, discrimination and marginalization have no place our region.

Information, about this event, will be shared via the Region’s communications channels in the coming weeks.”

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For more information, contact Corporate Communications.