The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is a volunteer committee established to provide leadership and advice to City Council on matters related to equity, inclusion, and the elimination of discrimination using an intersectional equity lens and community driven approach.
Meetings
The committee meets approximately six times per year or at the call of the chair. You can view our meeting calendar for upcoming meeting dates and read the committee's agendas and minutes to stay informed.
Notwithstanding the Simplified Meetings Procedures for advisory bodies, the Committee may invite non-member participation at the discretion of the Committee.
Purpose
The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will:
- Provide input on and support staff’s development of the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan.
- Promote and enhance St. Catharines as a welcoming city and improve the quality of life for all residents.
- Position the City, its advisory committees and City Council with knowledge and resources to encourage a range of perspectives, experiences and ideas in decision making.
- Provide insight and advice to staff and City Council on eliminating barriers experienced by members of under-represented and/or marginalized communities through contributions to policies, programs and plans developed by staff, or other decisions as requested by Council.
- Amplify staff efforts to engage the community through awareness of and relationship building with under-represented groups.
- Work with staff and community partners to organize civic events and recognize significant cultural days or events.
When matters may benefit from input from more than one equity seeking committee the Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will facilitate this review and response.
At the determination of staff, the committee may also be requested to provide advice on administrative policies or practices.
Members
- Tiffany Cool
- Nesrine Kandil
- Lea Matheson
- Jennifer Mooradian
- Swithin Pais
- Marwa Salih
- Tina Styles
- Yi Zhang
- Mahbubur Rahman
- Ana-Marija Petrunic
- Shannon McHugh, Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (staff liaison)
The membership term for the committee lasts for the term duration of City Council or as determined by Council.
Composition
The committee will be comprised of up to 10 members with relevant lived experience, knowledge or skills to support the committee. Members may be individuals or representatives from local institutions and community-based organizations.
In order to provide an intersectional equity lens, members should have a range of lived experience, or be allies and advocates, relating to one or more equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to:
- Immigrants and refugees
- Indigenous peoples
- Undocumented individuals
- Persons with low income
- Women
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Racialized people
- Persons with disabilities
- Vulnerable seniors
- Vulnerable youth
Reporting structure
The Committee shall report directly to Council.
Administrative support to the Committee shall be provided by the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, which shall assign a Staff Liaison to the Committee.