Regional Chair, mayors sign on to Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities

regional chair and mayors standing outside

From the Niagara Region

mayor marvin junking signing paperNiagara’s Regional Chair and mayors signaled their resolve to make Niagara a more diverse and welcoming community on Sept. 18, as they jointly signed a declaration marking Niagara as a member of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities.

Over the past year, Regional Council, along with all 12 municipal councils, voted to join the Coalition, a network that brings together municipalities that want to improve their policies against racism, discrimination, exclusion and intolerance. 

The joint declaration demonstrates a shared recognition that Niagara is not immune to systemic racism and other forms of discrimination, and that real action must follow to build Niagara’s identity as a truly welcoming community.  

Regional Chair Jim Bradley and all 12 mayors participated in a brief signing ceremony outside Regional Headquarters to commemorate Niagara’s membership in the Coalition. Niagara will join 82 other member municipalities across Canada who are working to advance initiatives that:

  • improve their practices to promote social inclusion
  • establish policies to eradicate all forms of racism and discrimination
  • promote human rights and diversity

Learn more about the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities at their website.

Note to editors: photos from the Sept. 18 signing ceremony, or interviews with participants and speakers are available by contacting Andrew Korchok at andrew.korchok@niagararegion.ca. 
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Quotes

"Those of us who hold elected positions must strive to hold ourselves to a higher standard, not only recognizing not only privilege, but also strengthening our resolve to learn, listen and take action to build an inclusive and welcoming Niagara. This declaration is our shared commitment to work toward policies that eradicate racism and discrimination, and promote human rights and diversity."
~ Jim Bradley, Niagara Regional Chair 
"As president of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, I am thrilled that the Niagara Region has joined this network, which includes cities, regional governments, and smaller communities across the country. Sadly, racism continues to plague communities across Canada. By joining our Coalition, Niagara Region and its communities are committing to join others in fighting racism and discrimination in all its forms. Living in Niagara, I am looking forward to seeing the accomplishments that the municipalities can make."
~ Dr. Liette Vasseur, President, Canadian Commission for UNESCO