Diversity charter in works for York Region

YorkRegion.com
July 15, 2016
Amanda Persico  

York Region’s demographics are ever changing.

According to the 2011 census, more than 43 per cent of York Region residents are visible minorities. And that number is expected to climb to more than 60 per cent by 2041.

The region hosted a series of diversity talks, Let’s Talk Inclusion, around the region as it prepares to develop an inclusivity and diversity charter.

Last month, residents gathered in Markham to talk about diversity and some of the challenges faced in the community.

“Diversity and inclusion isn’t something that can be left to sort itself out and everyone be nice to each other,” said the region’s community and health services commissioner, Adelina Urbanski. “This is important enough to take effort.”

This series was a continuation of sessions held last fall, where the focus has been on welcoming newcomers and diversity centered on culture and race.

"York Region is a very changing place and we're growing. We do take pride in welcoming a lot of different people to our communities, Urbanski said.

The focus this time around is inclusivity beyond race and culture.  

“Diversity is broader than just cultural diversity,” Urbanski said.

Communities are more complicated and more needs to be done to ensure people of all religions, ages, abilities and sexual orientations, feel welcome and included, she added.

Participants in the session held in Markham discussed some of the challenges when it comes to inclusivity.

At the top of everyone’s list was language. Having a language barrier can be coupled with a lack of confidence to communicate and can also lead to someone feeling disconnected or not belonging to the larger community.

Making assumptions about someone is also an inclusivity deterrent.

Assumptions get made all the time, such as a family consists of mom, dad and children; youth are uninterested in the communities in which they live; and those with physical disabilities also have developmental disabilities.

Youth are often left out of the inclusivity equation, said Markham youth advocate Harleen Sayal, who attended the talk series.

“Youth in York Region don’t see themselves as part of the region,” she said. “Youth in Markham are different from youth in Georgina.”

Today’s youth are struggling with employment and housing issues, the same as other York Region residents.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t care, she added.

The trouble is getting youth to events like the Let’s Talk Inclusion series.

And there are simple solutions, Sayal said. Offer bus tickets or food or host events where youth are, such as in a youth centre or community centre.

Residents also pointed to the huge role the education system can play in the inclusion and diversity puzzle simply by introducing and educating students on different cultures and practices.

Another challenge discussed is etiquette – many don’t know what’s kosher or not when visiting those of another culture.

Residents talked about the region creating etiquette do’s-and-don’ts similar to those found in libraries, galleries or museums.

There needs to be less ‘talks’ and ‘roundtables’ and more community barbecues or Chai times, Sayal added.

“A community barbecue or a cricket game is more welcoming than a round table,” she said. “Go to the seniors clubs, go to the schools.”

Ideas stemming from each of the sessions will be included in a staff report, expected to be released in the fall.

The regional report will then be the base for establishing an inclusivity and diversity charter in 2017.

For more information, visit york.ca/InclusiveYR and join the conversation using #InclusiveYR.