Finance and Economic Development Committee

That the Finance and Economic Development Committee (FEDC) approve the addition of this Item titled “ Progress Update on the Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives ” for consideration by the Committee at its June 2, 2020 Meeting, pursuant to Section 89(3) of the Procedure By-Law (being By-Law 2019-8); and That FEDC waive the Rules of Procedure to receive a presentation on the above-noted item, and, pursuant to Subsection 83(4)(a), dispense with the requirement for staff to provide a separate written report on this presentation.

WHEREAS the City of Ottawa is committed to building a more inclusive City by implementing anti-racism initiatives to prevent systemic racism in policies, programs and services and building relationships with racialized communities; and WHEREAS prior to and since his election as Councillor for Ward 13 (Rideau-Rockcliffe) in April 2019, Councillor Rawlson King has been a tireless advocate for the need to address systemic racism in our community and for ensuring that racial equity is considered in City policies, programs and services; and WHEREAS following the proposal of Councillor Rawlson King, Council approved funding for the creation of an Anti-Racism Secretariat for the City of Ottawa, as part of the 2020 Budget; and WHEREAS further to the recommendations of the 2018-2022 Governance Review, Council may appoint a Member of Council as Council Liaison to work in partnership with staff to address specific issues; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Finance and Economic Development Committee recommend City Council appoint Councillor Rawlson King as the Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives for the 2018-2022 Term of Council, so that he may continue his leadership on this issue and work with City staff to advance anti-racism and race relations initiatives.