Perth County Approves Charter for Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PERTH COUNTY, ON – Perth County is pleased to announce that a new Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism Charter was approved at today’s meeting of County Council. The report delivered today by the Economic Development and Tourism Division, was the culmination of seven months of work and community consultation to develop the draft document. This public process included surveys, virtual roundtables and one-on one stakeholder interviews. The community was also given the opportunity to review the draft charter prior to adoption.

The Charter provides a framework and lens through which Perth County can act by outlining nine key principles and values as well as highlighting the role of the Corporation as a policy-maker, employer, service provider, purchaser of goods and services and as a community partner. In addition, responsibilities for implementing the Charter are highlighted for Council, Staff, Committees, Residents, Businesses and Visitors.

“I am pleased to see the Charter approved at today’s meeting. This is an important first step in this process and it will open the door for meaningful work for years to come.” said Warden Jim Aitcheson, “I am grateful to community members and local stakeholders who took the time to contribute their input to this process.”

In addition to the approval of the Charter, staff were directed to initiate the process to join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities. Staff were also directed to return to Council with a report outlining the process for joining the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities as well as the budgetary impact for becoming an Employer Member of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and other implementation activities supported by the Charter.

Community members can continue to look for updates by visiting www.perthcounty.ca/charter

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Media Inquiries:
Sarah Franklin
Economic Development / Communications Officer
sfranklin@perthcounty.ca
519-301-3787