Juliet Jackson, Director, Culture and Inclusion, provided an overview of the Region of Peel’s plan to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination in Peel. She stated that the Region’s efforts will support and align with the Province of Ontario’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan to eliminate systemic racism in government policies, decisions and programs; and to advance racial equity in Ontario for black, indigenous and racialized populations. She reviewed three principles established to guide the Region's work, provided an overview of the four Council approved calls to action and discussed initiatives being implemented internally to build a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. Region of Peel staff will continue to partner with local municipal staff, leveraging partnerships and community tables to advance the work related to anti-Black racism, anti-racism and systemic discrimination.
In response to a question from Councillor Damerla regarding the Region’s naming procedures, Kathryn Lockyer, Regional Clerk and Interim Commissioner of Corporate Services, stated that the Region has a policy with respect to the naming of buildings and facilities. She noted that staff can review the policy and provide updates in consideration of the guiding principles.
Member Deo proposed that the current focus on systemic discrimination be taken as an opportunity to advocate for equal health funding for the City of Brampton; and that the systemic problems causing this inequitable funding be analyzed.
In response to a question from Member Awuni regarding gun violence, Brian Laundry, Director, Strategy Policy and Performance, stated that a Community Safety and Well-being Plan addressing family and youth violence, will be presented to Regional Council at the end of October, 2020 for approval.
In response to a question from Member Awuni regarding equitable allocation of resources for affordable housing, Janice Sheehy, Commissioner of Human Services, stated that many of the Region’s housing programs have strict, provincially legislated, mandatory eligibility criteria. She noted that on May 28, 2020, Regional Council approved a pilot project whereby Regional funding will be used to develop a needs based approach to administering housing subsidies; and staff will consider matters related to eligibility criteria, equity and inclusion.