Whereas West Grey council condemns the unjust treatment, oppression, and racism against those who identify as black, indigenous, and people of colour; and

Whereas council acknowledges that systemic racism exists and persists in every community and institution in Canada, including West Grey, creating social and economic disparities from education, to healthcare, to housing, to employment, and justice; and

Whereas council supports the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force belief that everyone deserves to live free of systematic oppression or racialized violence; and

Whereas the report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada contains ‘Calls to Action’ several of which are actionable by local governments including Call 57: “We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.”; and

Whereas council is committed to anti-racism as demonstrated in the foundation of our 2020 Vision Plan whereby we set goals to listen to our community, value diverse voices, and build partnerships;

Therefore be it resolved that the Municipality of West Grey will actively work towards anti-racism and anti-oppression at every opportunity beginning with annual training for council, committee members, and employees for anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity and inclusion, and the history of Aboriginal peoples; and

Further that this resolution be circulated to media, lower tier municipalities in Grey and Bruce; Grey County; Bruce County; West Grey Public Library, West Grey Police Service, Grey Bruce Public Health Unit; Bluewater District School Board; and Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board