(file photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Denouncing racism

Town and city to formally sign declaration of Inclusive Municipalities in public ceremony

Jun 24, 2021 | 4:59 PM

The Town of Battleford and the City of North Battleford will formally sign a declaration to join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (CIM) at a special ceremony next week.

Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie said by joining the coalition, they agree to follow 10 common commitments to promote their municipalities as inclusive and diverse communities. In doing so, they will adopt a plan of action to implement these commitments.

“We’re one of the few municipalities actually in the province of Saskatchewan at this point that have signed on to this. So it should be a pretty good day,” Leslie said.

Among those invited to attend the ceremony are representatives from the Battlefords Regional Community Coalition, Indigenous partners, and ethnic and racialized groups within the community. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event is limited to invited guests.

Leslie is pleased to be part of the coalition’s efforts, to make the community a better place to live in, for everyone.

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“It’s about all-races in the community, and taking the steps to make them all welcome and feel safe,” Leslie said.

More than 80 municipalities across Canada are currently members of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities. In Saskatchewan, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon are also members.

The city and town councils previously each agreed to join the coalition, following respective presentations on the coalition’s mandate by Tom Howard, who is also a coordinator with Battlefords Regional Community Coalition.

Formed in 2005, the CIM is a network of local Canadian governments committed to eliminating discrimination and developing open, inclusive societies. It is coordinated by the Canadian Commission of UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).

The upcoming event will be a public ceremony to officially show that the two municipalities are dedicated to make the community more inclusive by becoming members of the CIM.

Here are the coalition’s 10 commitments:

1. Increase vigilance against systemic and individual discrimination;

2. Monitor discrimination in the municipality and take action to address it;

3. Support individuals who experience discrimination;

4. Provide police services that are exemplary institutions for fighting discrimination;

5. Provide equal opportunities as a municipal employer, service provider, and contractor;

6. Support measures that promote equity in the labour market;

7. Challenge discrimination and promote diversity and equal opportunities in housing;

8. Involve citizens by giving them a voice in anti-racism initiatives and decision-making;

9. Challenge discrimination and promote diversity and equal opportunities in education and other forms of learning.

10. Promote respect, knowledge, and appreciation of cultural diversity and the inclusion of Indigenous and racialized communities in the cultural fabric of the municipality.

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow