Momentum builds for more inclusive societies in Canada as municipalities and experts from across the country join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities
Ottawa, ON, November 17, 2021 – Momentum to create a more welcoming and inclusive network of cities continues to build with fifteen new municipalities and four new advisory committee members joining the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, a network of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.
The new members of the Coalition’s Advisory Committee are:
- Jeremiah Ellis, Political Science and English student, University of Alberta
- Sheila James, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, City of Ottawa, Ontario
- Jean François Kacou, Director General, City of Percé, Quebec
- Candies Kotchapaw, Founder and Executive Director, Developing Young Leaders of Tomorrow Today (DYLOTT)
They join the following current members: Caitlin Downie, Manager, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta, and Thilak Tennekone, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Town of Stratford, Prince Edward Island.
We are delighted to welcome Jeremiah, Sheila, Jean François, and Candies as new members of the Coalition’s Advisory Committee. Their expertise and experience stemming from both small and large municipalities in different parts of the country will certainly strengthen the Coalition and bring a broader range of perspectives that will add richness and authenticity to the coalition’s work.
– Caitlin Downie, Chair, Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities Advisory Committee
The Coalition is looking forward to leveraging its unique brand for consistent and proactive two-way communications between the Canadian Commission for UNESCO Secretariat and the members of the Coalition. It also plans to create an outreach strategy with groups of citizens, non-profits, NGOs and other allies in their advocacy efforts.
The Coalition will continue to create and share resources to promote social inclusion, establish policies aimed at eradicating racism and discrimination in all its forms, and ultimately, promote human rights and diversity. However, the network has plenty of room to grow, particularly given the events over the past years that have greatly underscored how prevalent systemic racism is and emphasized the need to advance justice and reconciliation.
– Roda Muse, Secretary General, Canadian Commission for UNESCO
In addition to the 83 existing inclusive municipalities from coast to coast, fifteen new municipalities have pledged to collaborate with other member municipalities to share best practices and develop and implement policies and practices that will build an inclusive and equitable society. The new member municipalities are:
- Battleford, Saskatchewan
- Blackfalds, Alberta
- Cobourg, Ontario
- Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick
- Guelph, Ontario
- Halton Hills, Ontario
- Laval, Quebec
- North Battleford, Saskatchewan
- North Bay, Ontario
- Olds, Alberta
- Percé, Quebec
- Scugog, Ontario
- Strathmore, Alberta
- Uxbridge, Ontario
- Whitby, Ontario
Municipalities interested in joining the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities are encouraged to visit the Join the Coalition page on the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s website, read the toolkit for members or contact the Commission for more information: ccunesco@ccunesco.ca.
About the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities
The Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities is a network of Canadian local governments committed to diversity and inclusion that is coordinated by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. The Coalition is also a member of UNESCO’s International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities, enabling participating municipalities to engage in inclusion and diversity efforts at an international scale. By joining the coalition, Canadian municipalities gain access to a network of cities and towns across Canada working together make their locales more inclusive and welcoming places.
Contact
Vanessa Poulin-Gladu
Manager, Public Affairs
Canadian Commission for UNESCO
613-862-1637
vanessa.poulin-gladu@ccunesco.ca