Efforts to combat racism and discrimination in the city will increase following council’s request to join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities. The request, formalized on Monday, will see Guelph align itself with more than 80 other communities throughout the country with similar goals.
In addition to requesting to join, council unanimously endorsed a motion expressing its support for 10 common commitments among coalition members.
Those include increasing vigilance against systemic and individual racism; monitoring racism in the municipality and taking action to address it; supporting individuals who experience discrimination; providing police services that are “exemplary institutions for fighting discrimination”; providing equal opportunities as a municipal employer, service provider and contractor; involving citizens by giving them a voice in anti-racism initiatives and decision-making; and promoting the respect, knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity, along with the inclusion of Indigenous and racialized communities in the cultural fabric of the municipality; among others.
The most significant factor in joining, explained said David Schimpky, director of secretariat for the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, part of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), is a motion declaring council’s desire to participate in the coalition and its willingness to take steps to stem racism and discrimination.
“If they’re willing and committed to fighting racism, and that’s demonstrated through a passed motion at city council, then that’s good enough for us. We don’t need to police that,” he said. “It’s the citizens that often do that policing work and that follow-up on the cities and keep pressure going on their councillors and their mayors to fulfill their commitments.”
Participating municipalities share their experiences to learn from one another and potentially gain insights into issues or solutions associated with racism and discrimination. Each is also required to prepare an action plan with “tangible” outcomes.
