By Alnis Dickson
Exciting news in Peterborough, where Mayor Diane Therrien signed a declaration to have Peterborough join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (CIM) and commit the city to creating a Plan of Action to address racism and promote human rights and diversity.
By joining this UNESCO-led initiative, our city can exchange information with the signatory cities across Canada on how they work against racism and discrimination locally.
Laridae was proud to submit letter of support for the motion for our city to join the CIM. We’re thrilled that the motion passed and the city is moving forward and taking action.
Thanks to the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough, for spearheading the initiative, to the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Network of Peterborough for reaching out and asking for a letter of support, and to the Peterborough Immigration Partnership and the New Canadians Centre for promoting it.
We look forward to continuing to support diversity and inclusion through advocacy work; through our own commitments to internal diversity training and our B Corp designation; and through the work we do with our clients.
You can view a PDF of our letter of support here, or read the full text below.
Correction notice 2020/11/20: This post originally misattributed the spearheading of the initiative the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Network of Peterborough. The initiative was in fact started by the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough.
The 10 Common Commitments of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (CIM)
Laridae’s Letter in Support of Joining Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (CIM)
Friday, November 22, 2019
Mayor Therrien and esteemed Members of Peterborough Council:
Re: Motion for the Municipality of the City of Peterborough to join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (CIM) (previously known as the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination (CCMARD))
I am writing to you in support of the motion for Peterborough to join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (CIM) which is scheduled to be brought forward on November 25, 2019. In addition to becoming a signatory to the CIM this motion is a commitment to develop a Plan of Action that reflects the Common Commitments but is unique to Peterborough and our local realities. This Plan of Action would be an opportunity to enhance existing efforts already endorsed by the City including the work of the New Canadians Centre, Peterborough Immigration Partnership, and the Community Race Relations Committee. We also know that a pro-diversity strategy is a pro-growth strategy and is good for business.
This is a city where diversity is celebrated, and racism and discrimination is rejected as was clearly demonstrated in September 2017 when almost 250 groups, agencies, organizations, churches and unions signed a Statement of Unity to stand up against racism and discrimination. That incident was one of many that underscores that the need to take explicit, coordinated action to end racism and discrimination of all kinds – and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion – is very real and a current-day urgent issue. There is no reason for us to hesitate in making this an official part of our city’s status. The CIM is also a platform to share best practices and experiences with other municipalities in Canada and internationally.
I also want you to know that Laridae is committed to making Peterborough a welcoming and inclusive city. We know that a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and supporting people facing marginalization serves everyone and makes us a stronger, better community. Further, we count ourselves among the many organizations that would welcome the opportunity to join the city in developing and implementing a Plan of Action as part of Peterborough’s commitment to CIM. As part of this collaborative effort, Laridae commits to supporting this initiative to help show the world that Peterborough is committed to being a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Thank you for considering this important step for Peterborough. We are excited to be part of this vision and journey.
Sincerely,
Danielle Rocheleau
CEO