COUNCIL REPORT - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy No. 0100-55
Staff report recommending the adoption of a formal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy for the Town.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Council DATE: May 29, 2024 FROM: Scott Sommerville, CAO MEETING DATE: June 4, 2024
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy No. 0100-55
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT Council adopt draft Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy #0100-55.
ALTERNATIVES:
THAT Council provide input for a revised Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy for adoption later.
PURPOSE:
In response to the Notice of Motion supplied by Councillor Kowalewich on April 5th, 2024 (see in Background section below) and adopted by Council on May 21st, 2024, staff have prepared a policy to reflect the intention of the motion.
Motion C-75-24 states “THAT the Town reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion into common work practices by including a statement on the Town’s website, in job ads, and in future Strategic Plans, and also providing training and education.”
TIME CRITICAL:
Adoption of this policy is not time critical.
BACKGROUND:
Notice of Motion:
“In the spirit of promoting diversity equity and inclusion, I am putting forth a motion which encourages participation in building a culture of trust and respect to ensure others feel comfortable to share their perspectives, identity, and life experiences.
I propose that the Town of View Royal staff, Mayor and council seek to increase self awareness of diversity and inclusion and are mindful of personal prejudices. We must support new ideas and different perspectives shared by team members and ensure everyone is equally engaged, invested, and sharing power.
We must recognize inclusion as an important part of the work environment by modelling inclusive behaviours and encouraging others to do the same lastly we must promptly address and respond to diversity situations whether external or internal with appropriate action to achieve a positive outcome.
We recommend that the TOVR staff and Mayor and Council engage in ways to include diversity, equity, and inclusion into their common work practices. In addition, a statement on the towns website and weave it into future strategic plans and include it in language in new job applications that supports inclusion. Training and education should also be considered.”
Signed, Councillor Damian Kowalewich Endorsed by Councillor MacKenzie
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN:
Values:
The Town of View Royal pursues community excellence through a corporate culture that is:
- Respectful
- Inclusive
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Expenses related to training and education are contained within the 5-Year Financial Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy
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