Council on Monday agreed to set up a new task force on diversity and inclusion.
The Mayor's Task Force on Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism comes from a recommendation earlier this summer.
The task force will include Mayor George Harvie, councillors Alicia Guichon and Dylan Kruger, representation from the community and civic staff.
In addition, a consultant will be retained to conduct a review of Delta's policies and actions taken related to diversity and inclusion and provide a report card with recommendations for improvement.
“Through the new Mayor's Task Force on Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism and ongoing efforts in these areas, the City of Delta is committed to listening and learning from a broad spectrum of people on the issues of racism and discrimination, while remaining steadfastly committed to promoting diversity at the City of Delta and throughout the community,” a report to council notes.
In addition, the Mayor's Youth Council will be discussing diversity issues and raising new ideas for consideration.
The report also notes that the City of Delta “absolutely and unequivocally condemns racism, hate, and discrimination” and that the city “is dedicated to inclusion, acceptance, and diversity and continues to take steps and undertake initiatives to help lead this change, both within the organization and more broadly in the community.”
Beginning this month, city manager Sean McGill will lead a regular “Delta Talks” livestream discussion for staff, providing the opportunity to hear stories from people of a variety of backgrounds and participate in a meaningful ongoing discussion about diversity, gender, inclusion, race, disability, poverty and more, the report adds.
Council agreed with Harvie to extend the task force’s mandate beyond the originally planned 18 month timeframe.
