Burlington Inclusivity Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
3800 Constable Henshaw Blvd. (Halton Regional Police Services)

Doug Martin (Chair), Rana Al Samaani (Vice Chair), Jim Young (BSAC), Carrie Overholt, Maroun Naser, Ron Baliko (BAAC), Roy LaChapelle, Kate Dunn, Jenna Bye

Girish Parekh, Brent Hughes (Halton Police), Mumba Litana, Heba Lamloum, Kumkum Bhandari (BPL)

Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, Mary Lou Tanner, Briar Allison, Lisa Palermo (Clerk)

Angela relayed that she participates on a committee comprised of local boards/ partners and members of the city's leadership team.  Participants include Tourism, Art Gallery of Burlington and the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.  One project the committee has been working on is the incorporation of welcome signage in cultural facilities.  The program mirrors one from the Halton District School Board.  Angela shared the image of the signage with members to obtain their feedback. The signage includes the word 'welcome' in multiple languages along with symbols (for example the accessibility symbol)   Overall, the signage was well received. The following comments were provided:

  • include indigenous language or symbol
  • create portable signage for all citizen advisory committee to use when at events / engaging with the public
  • add Burlington brand to the signage
  • add braille
  • use in city facilities

Carrie provided an overview of the work of the subcommittee. The subcommittee looked at barriers, other organizations working on this issue, possible partners for BIAC to liaise with and initiatives BIAC can be involved with. 

  • The economically disenfranchised have barriers to housing, education, jobs
  • Some organizations BIAC should consider connecting with are Community Cares (ROCK), Centre for Skills Development, Community Development Halton, Elizabeth Fry/John Howard Society
  • BIAC should consider getting involved in policy review at the city, improve communication and public awareness of BIAC and build on relationships with community partners and other advisory committees.

Maroun provided an overview of the work of the subcommittee.  The subcommittee suggested that awareness of BIAC and its role be a priority for the committee.  The following projects were suggested as a means for improving awareness of BIAC and of issues facing newcomers:

  • Burlington Walk for Inclusivity / Diversity - to promote awareness that Burlington is an inclusive city.  An opportunity to get feedback from the community, an affordable and accessible event.  Connect with a community partner like Halton Multicultural Council.  Offer a mini cultural fair as the destination for the walk.
  • Welcome Wagon - a concept developed by the City of Toronto where newcomers are provided welcome baskets based on individual needs. (pamphlets, coupons, calendars, other specific information).  An online survey assists to tailor the basket contents.
  • Annual Award for Business - a diversity award provided to a businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to diversity.  For example through their hiring practices or employee practices, etc.  Incorporate award into Burlington's Best program or other awards program that already exists.  Chamber of Commerce?
  • Some organizations BIAC should consider connecting with are Halton Multicultural Council, Welcome Wagon, Burlington Economic Development Corporation, Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable, Halton.ca

Members agreed to pursue the Welcome Wagon concept.  The newcomer subcommittee will meet to discuss this project and provide a more detailed concept for the whole committee to consider at the next meeting.

Members prioritized the partners they would seek to connect with before the end of the year.  Lisa will contact the following organizations to invite them to attend a future BIAC meeting:

  • Halton Multicultural Council
  • Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable
  • Community Cares (ROCK)
  • Elizabeth Fry or John Howard Society
  • Community Development Halton

Other organizations recommended by the subcommittees will be contacted at a later date.  When contacting organizations, they will be asked to come to BIAC to provide the following:

  • brief intro about their organization and it's mandate
  • what are the gaps they have identified in the community? 
  • what can BIAC do to assist?
  • who are their stakeholders/partners?
  • what are their thoughts on how to make newcomers/economically disenfranchised feel like they belong?
  • Mary Lou advised that she is working on a report that will go to Committee of the Whole in July.  The report will provide an update on the work done by the Mohawk Future Ready Leadership teams, the Anti-Bullying Task Force and staff training. The subcommittee for the economically disenfranchised will review the draft inclusivity report and provide feedback before it is presented to council in July. 
  • Doug reminded members to consider attending one of the upcoming Citizen Action Labs being held on May 25 and May 29.