Vaughan remains a welcoming, inclusive and thriving city: Mayor Bevilacqua
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Benjamin Vaughan Day renamed in honour of John Graves Simcoe
The following is a statement by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua following today’s meeting of the Committee of the Whole (2):
“I want
to recognize my Council colleagues for coming together to unanimously support
my Member’s Resolution calling for the August Civic Holiday, known as Benjamin
Vaughan Day, to be renamed in honour of John Graves Simcoe – the first
Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada and a leading proponent of the Act Against
Slavery.
“I know
that the ongoing solidarity against racial injustice continues to be a
fundamental priority for our city. We are working closely with residents,
community organizations, and other levels of government to address the issue of
anti-Black racism.
“The
City of Vaughan places a great deal of importance on diversity, inclusion and
the condemnation of racism in all its forms. We continue to forge connections
and pursue opportunities that demonstrate our commitment to foster a community
that is inclusive and genuinely appreciative of the diversity that enriches us.
“Internally
at the City, our dedicated staff continuously work to develop an Inclusion and
Diversity Framework. The City of Vaughan’s Staff Inclusion Charter Committee
was established and consists of a diverse group of City staff to develop this
framework that will inform the Diversity and Citizen Engagement Task Force.
“The
mandate of the Diversity and Citizen Engagement Task Force will be to provide
guidance in policy development that promotes awareness of diversity matters
with an emphasis on improving equality and fostering greater inclusion of all
citizen and stakeholder groups.
“Council
took another important step forward by requesting that staff immediately develop
a plan that would lead to the creation of the City’s first-ever Chief Diversity
Officer. This position would have a mandate responsible for fostering a culture
of inclusion, diversity and excellence throughout the corporation. As part of
this new undertaking, we will further review best practices in both public and
private-sector organizations.
“It is
incumbent upon each of us to stand up and take meaningful action against
injustice and inequality. I remain hopeful that, collectively, we can and will
do better. While we have achieved much, we recognize there is still more
to do. In Vaughan, we will continue moving our city forward without leaving
anyone behind.”
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