Owen Sound City Council passed the anti-racism motion below 8-1 in a recorded vote. Councillor Merton introduced the motion with the following words:

I bring this motion to the table to acknowledge that we live in a world where racism and oppression are continuing factors of living for many. We as a City Council can declare our ongoing commitment to actively work towards anti-racism and anti-oppression at every opportunity.

We see many examples of inclusion and openness in our City events and activities.
We have seen the Mayor, City Council and the community’s response in condemning recent vandalism to our local mosque, synagogue and graphic racist stickers and images. There is more that we can learn and more that we can do to be change leaders to ensure that Owen Sound continues to grow to be a safe, inclusive and welcoming community.

Whereas Council acknowledges that systemic racism and oppression exists and persists in communities throughout Canada, including Owen Sound, creating social and economic disparities in education, healthcare, housing, employment and justice; and

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

Whereas Council is committed to support community safety and social inclusion as outlined in the City of Owen Sound 2015 Strategic Plan: 2020 Making Our Vision Clear; and

Whereas Council’s role is to listen, learn, understand and act;

Therefore be it resolved that the City of Owen Sound will actively work towards anti-racism and anti-oppression at every opportunity including but not limited to information sharing, ongoing education and training for Council, Committee members, City employees including summer students regarding anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity and inclusion.