Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua signs the Vaughan Inclusion Charter

Municipalinfonet.com
Jan. 29, 2020

Vaughan is a vibrant and diverse city with an appreciation for the many cultures, creeds and faiths that thrive here. The City continues to foster a community that is inclusive and respectful where all citizens, businesses, employees and visitors are valued. On January 28th, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua reaffirmed this commitment by signing the Vaughan Inclusion Charter in support of the Inclusion Charter for York Region.

The Inclusion Charter for York Region was developed in collaboration with York Region's Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group (MDIG). The Charter promotes and celebrates human rights and accessibility and strengthens a sense of belonging for everybody in the community to ensure they all have access to the same opportunities. In signing the Vaughan Inclusion Charter, the City officially joins the MDIG along with other municipalities and organizations in the Region.

The signing of the Charter reaffirms Council's goal of Active, Safe and Diverse Communities as outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. In 2020, Council will be appointing a Diversity and Citizen Engagement Task Force. During the City's 2019 International Women's Day event, Mayor Bevilacqua formally signed the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity, which was unanimously endorsed by Council. The City of Vaughan is the first municipality in Canada to endorse the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity. Developed by Electricity Human Resources Canada, the Accord is a public commitment by organizations to promote the values of diversity, equality and inclusion.

QUOTE

"The City of Vaughan is a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated every day in every way. We take great pride in providing an exceptional quality of life, where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential, actively participate in civic life and be treated with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. As part of the City of Vaughan's commitment to advancing a culture of co-operation, we are pleased to endorse and adopt the Vaughan Inclusion Charter in support of the Inclusion Charter for York Region, which is a community initiative to create a fair and equal environment for all. Our vision for 2020 is clear - we will continue moving our city forward without leaving anyone behind. To ensure we achieve this, Council will be appointing a Diversity and Citizen Engagement Task Force this year. Today, we are reaffirming our dedication to this important and meaningful cause. Together, we are creating a bright and promising future for everyone."

- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua