Black community calls for 'accountability' in town's anti-racism

Town of Newmarket draft action plan for dismantling anti-black racism coming Sept. 24

Newmarkettoday.ca
Sept. 13, 2022
Joseph Quigley

Newmarket’s Black community is looking for strong accountability as the town prepares a plan to dismantle anti-Black racism.

That is according to an update to town council today from consultant EMPOWER Strategy Group as it approaches completion of an implementation plan for dismantling anti-Black racism. Council heard about the public feedback received, with a draft plan expected to come Sept. 24.

EMPOWER CEO Evelyn Myrie discussed what they heard from town halls in August and said it was a chance to get a deeper reach into the community.

“We know that reports have been written for many, many items, and sometimes, they get shelved, and they get dust,” she said. “The community wants to make sure there is clear accountability toward ensuring this action plan is acted upon. That was a real, serious concern they had.”

The upcoming plan is supposed to guide how Newmarket will implement the 117 recommendations that came from its anti-black Racism task force. These recommendations include work toward employment equity, addressing racism in specific areas like housing and more. EMPOWER has worked on the plan for approximately four months.

Councillor Trevor Morrison said on accountability, council hears that “loud and clear.”

“I know we’re going to hear that even more so when we have that action plan,” he said.

EMPOWER's efforts have also included meetings with organizations such as school boards, Southlake Regional Health Centre and York Regional Police, Myrie said, to address discrimination in other sectors.

Internal staff departments have also met to talk about implementing recommendations. The communication team is also at work to broadcast the plan and get it out into the community.

“It has been emotional work,” Councillor and anti-Black racism task force member Kelly Broome said. “It has been hard work, it has been fulfilling work, and I really do look forward to going to the next stage and getting this out.”

The consulting firm is planning to gather more public feedback after the release of the draft action plan, from Sept. 24 to Nov. 7. After that, a final action plan would be brought forward to Dec. 5, early in the new municipal council term.

Addressing racism is something that will take time, Mayor John Taylor said.

“We know this is a journey,” Taylor said about the upcoming report. “There’s not a point where we get to say mission accomplished. That’s not the nature of this.”