A community for all: Clarington cements its commitment to combat racism and discrimination

Clarington, Ontario – Council has endorsed an Inclusive Spaces Policy and granted approval for Clarington to start the process to join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, cementing its commitment to combat racism and discrimination.

Clarington developed the Inclusive Spaces Policy in partnership with its Diversity Advisory Committee to create an open environment where everyone is welcome to freely enjoy our facilities and spaces without fear of harassment, racism, and discrimination. The Policy sets out clear expectations for patrons visiting Clarington buildings and facilities. It lays out a zero-tolerance approach for any form of discrimination or racism displayed against staff or any members of the public. To support the Policy, the Municipality is developing a Standard Operating Procedure, which will outline clear steps for staff to follow for those in violation of the Policy, following a zero-tolerance approach and corresponding consequences.

“The Inclusive Spaces Policy is just the beginning. We will continue to work with the Diversity Advisory Committee on an Anti-Racism Strategy that will include education, training, and communications to increase awareness and eliminate all forms of discrimination,” said Erica Mittag, Community Development Coordinator and Municipal Liaison to the Diversity Advisory Committee.

“The Municipality is taking significant steps in the right direction as it develops a strategy to enact meaningful change in the community, supporting diversity and inclusion while strengthening its commitment to human rights,” said Meera McDonald, Chair of the Diversity Advisory Committee.

Clarington will also request to join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, a network of 96 member municipalities in Canada. The network is coordinated by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. It brings together like-minded governments that “want to improve their policies against racism, discrimination, exclusion and intolerance,” as stated on the website. To join the network and benefit from the shared experiences of others, Clarington will apply and include Council’s resolution supporting the Coalition’s 10 Common Commitments, which address areas that the Municipality can impact, such as service delivery, employment, and culture.

Clarington’s commitment to combat discrimination has also extended to the workplace as the Municipality continues to strengthen its existing harassment policies, including specific language around racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.

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Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Basia Radomski
Communications Manager
905-623-3379 ext. 2214 or bradomski@clarington.net