City taking concrete action against racism
In the past year, we have not only been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have also seen the issues of racism and the disproportionate impacts of systemic inequity come into sharp focus, both at home and abroad.
The existence and complexity of systemic discrimination must be acknowledged by our institutions as well as by us as individuals if we are going to effectively address these issues head on. It starts with stating uncomfortable truths. Indigenous Peoples, Black, Asian and other racialized populations in Ottawa have disproportionately been, and continue to be, the victims of violence, racist graffiti, racial slurs, excluded from activities and employment opportunities and discriminated against in the workplace.
This can only end with sustained, concrete action. Municipalities have a role to play and that is why I supported the creation of the Anti-Racism Secretariat. Under the leadership of Councillor Rawlson King, who has become the first Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, we are listening and acknowledging issues.
I am also pleased that Ms. Yusra Osman was hired as the City’s first Anti-Racism Specialist to advance this work from within and across departments. I have every confidence that Ms. Osman will advance the important work needed, including work that has been underway through the Somali Community Table since 2016.
The secretariat will help ensure that an anti-racist lens is applied to city policies, with an emphasis on six priority areas: employment equity, equity in governance, housing, economic development, health outcomes and youth development.
Since the establishment of the Secretariat in 2020, some of the progress made by the City includes:
- Initiating the creation of an Anti-Racism Advisory Table;
- Launching a public awareness social media campaign to condemn anti-Asian racism;
- Launching the gender and race equity data baseline study together with the Women and Gender Equity Specialist; and
- Creating the “Coping with Racial Stress” pilot project for youth with the Neighbourhood Ambassador Program.
City Services and COVID-19 Update
- I focused on the pandemic as I highlighted the City’s major accomplishments in 2020 and outlined plans for the year ahead in my annual State of the City address.
- Ottawa’s Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law, requiring masks in enclosed public spaces and on public transit, has been extended to the end of April.
- Don’t let cabin fever and winter blues get you and your family down. Check out ottawa.ca/snowmuchfun for plenty of free and safe activities to allow you to get out for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
- Visit the City’s Vaccine distribution page to learn how the City is supporting the administering of vaccines to residents.
- Read the latest statement from Dr. Vera Etches on the announcement by the Province to reopen in-person learning at schools in Ottawa starting February 1, 2021.
- Do you speak Somali and/or Arabic? You can now contact Ottawa Public Health by text or voice clip on WhatsApp for information about COVID-19. Somali number: 613-229-3373 Arabic number: 613-229-3359
- Why get vaccinated against COVID-19? Ottawa Public Health’s Dr. Trevor Arnason explains
- Spread the word: we want to hear from you! Please share your thoughts with us about COVID-19 vaccines through this new survey until February 15.
The Mayor’s Breakfast Series highlights Black History Month
The Mayor’s Breakfast Series, produced by the Ottawa Board of Trade & the Ottawa Business Journal, is back in February for Black History Month!
Guest Speakers TBD
Date: TBD – Late February
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – ONLINE
Registration is required.
Visit the Board of Trade’s website for updates.
