Statement from the Mayor on International Day of Peace.

Sep 21, 2017

For Immediate Release

September 21, 2017

 

Statement from the Mayor on International Day of Peace

In 1981, the United Nations declared that September 21st shall be observed as the International Day of Peace. In recognition of this day, I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our City’s diversity policy in collaboration with the Newcomer, Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Panel, which I wholeheartedly support, and is doing amazing work.

Our diversity policy states that:

“Equality and inclusion are fundamental human rights for every individual, as prescribed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Throughout our City, we support diversity in all of its forms, including but not limited to age, disability, economic circumstance, marital status, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and gender expression, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Leading by example, we aspire to make diversity a core and abiding strength of the City of Greater Sudbury.

Our strength is found in our differences and we strive to embrace diversity in all that we do. Our mission is best fulfilled when we honour diversity as a value and a practice. In doing so, our community will attract and retain the most talented and skilled people to the City of Greater Sudbury, and this will benefit our economy and our quality of life. Achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to human dignity and inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms and behaviours.”

As Mayor, I have no doubt that Greater Sudbury will continue to pride itself on its inclusivity; one where newcomers, immigrants, refugees, and people of all walks of life are welcomed and can succeed. As a community, we should continue to recognize our differences and embrace our uniqueness, continuing to welcome all new residents to this great City. In working towards fostering a stronger community together, I will be bringing a motion forward at the September 26, 2017 Council meeting, asking Council to endorse having the City’s diversity policy statement posted in all City of Greater Sudbury buildings to serve as a reminder to all about the kind of community we will always strive to be.

I look forward to tabling this motion and to continuing to foster a positive and inclusive community.


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