Strategic Plan Alignment:
Caitlin Downie, Department Administrator, provided an update on this topic and advised that the current Strategic Plan (Plan) will expire at the end of 2021 and a new Plan will be implemented in 2022 post election. It was noted that under the current Plan there is priority 1F which addresses fostering inclusion and equity and the Diversity and Inclusion Community Plan, which RACIDE has been involved with.
The Committee suggested that the outstanding items from the Plan be shared with the Committee to help identify the work the will need to be completed in 2021. It was indicated that the information presented to Council in December will be shared with the members prior to the next meeting so that it can be reviewed in advance.
Entrance:
Chantelle Tatum joined the meeting at 6:37 p.m.
Anti-Racism Working Group:
Caitlin Downie, Department Administrator, provided an update from the Anti-Racism Working Group and presented the progress to date based on the Committee’s recommendations to Council. It was noted that successes include a written letter to the Minister of Education, completion of the employee census and the creation of an Interdepartmental Taskforce.
The Committee further discussed the opportunity to introduce an additional ad hoc member specifically for the Anit-Racism Working Group, and emphasized the need to have a person of color engaging with this group. Jade Brown, Chief Legislative Officer, advised that this is something Administration would have to look in to further, before proceeding.
Accessibility Working Group:
Jade Brown, Chief Legislative Officer, provided an update from the Accessibility Working Group, it was noted that the Request for Presentation and Request to Speak forms for Council and Committee meetings have been updated to include a request for specialized equipment or accommodation. It was also indicated that the IT Department is continuing to research various software to improve close captioning, as well as the addition of assisted listening devices in the new Council Chamber.