Your voice matters.
That’s the message the City of Markham is sharing as it embarks on consultations to update its goals related to equity.
“As part of Markham’s strategic plan, Building Markham’s Future Together, we are updating our Diversity Action Plan,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This is our commitment toward inclusion and celebrating our diversity. Diversity is our strength and drives our community’s vibrancy, success and innovation.”
Residents, business owners, clubs, and community and professional organizations are invited to participate in community consultations and surveys and share their experiences and identify priorities important to them related to diversity, inclusion, equity, racism, and accessibility.
“Your voice matters,” Scarpitti says. “As Canada’s most diverse community, we will continue to strive to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all.”
You can complete an online survey or register in one of the virtual community consultations. The city describes the consultations as “safe” and “facilitated” and encourages all community members – including racialized, Indigenous, immigrant, faith, youth and seniors, people living with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQ+, business and service organization communities – to take part.
Markham launched its first Diversity Action Plan – Everyone Welcome in 2010. The multi-year plan contained 67 recommendations and was developed through a comprehensive community consultation process involving more than 200 community groups and internal departments.
“The feedback we received for Markham’s Diversity Action Plan – Everyone Welcome provided important insights and uncovered needs that were used to develop City initiatives and policies,” CAO Andy Taylor says. “Now, it is time to assess our progress and to develop new goals. We look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue and obtaining a new round of community feedback about what is important and how to continue to develop policies, programs, amenities and services that are equitable for all.”
Visit markham.ca/DiversityActionPlan to learn more.
