Regional council passes motion pledging solidarity against racism

Waterloo regional council met Tuesday and passed a motion to publicly express its solidarity in challenging systemic racism.

In the motion, councillors said there are too many stories in Canada of racism towardBlack and Indigenous people of colour.

"The stories of Regis Korchinski-Paquet,D'Andre Campbelland others across Canada like Jason Collins, ChantelMooreand Aisha Hudsonhave made us aware of the true nature of systemic racism in Canada," said Region of Waterloo Chair Karen Redman.

"Their lives mattered. Rest in peace. In their honour we must engage in a conversation with the community, have an open mind and an open heart to hear the lived experiences of people of colour in Waterloo Region."

The council also affirmed its commitment to address racism, by supporting policies and programs that address the inequities that members of Black community continue to experience within Waterloo region.

'Need to do something'

In the motion, the council said it would continue its commitment to fund affordable housing, homeless shelters, community outreach, employment support, and harm reduction programming.

It also promised to ensure Black-led and social agencies serving Black, Indigenous, and people of colour are funded equitably through its regional funding mechanisms, and breaking down barriers for Black and other marginalized groups to regional funding.

Supporting the motion, Coun.Sean Strickland said, "it's very important that we not only appear to be doing things with respect to ending racism and discrimination in our community, but we actually need to do something."