Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee (“DEIAC” or “Committee”) is an advisory committee for the Haldimand County Council.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee provides information and recommendations to Council, Senior Staff and the OPP Detachment Board on establishing policies to eradicate racism and discrimination, improving municipal and policing practices for social inclusion, and promoting human rights and diversity within the organization and the community.

The goals and purpose of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee are to:

·         Provide recommendations, advice and information on removing barriers to inclusion for all residents in our community and to create an atmosphere conducive to harmonious community relations in Haldimand County;

·         Advise and provide recommendations on the development and review of policies, procedures, practices and master plans for the county and the OPP Detachment Board to ensure they reflect a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the organization, and within the community;

·         Assist in improving the education and cultural competence of municipal staff and ensure more effective outreach on municipal initiatives to include diverse communities;

·         Aid in the development and implementation of measures/programs to facilitate discussions with community groups to promote broader understanding and engagement between residents of diverse backgrounds and abilities including workshops, seminars and public meetings; and

·         Act as a visible central body to direct individuals or groups expressing concerns of tension, racism or discrimination within the municipal mandate to the appropriate municipal body for review, to inquire into/mediate these concerns on behalf of the complainant and to recommend solutions.

1.      One (1) voting member of Council.

2.      A maximum of seven (7) community representatives appointed by Council for the term of Council or until reappointed. These members shall represent the diversity of Haldimand County and include individuals with lived experience with or interest in diverse/marginalized communities including those related to ethnicity, language, race, immigration, sexual orientation/identity, low income/homelessness, or faith.  These members shall include one (1) cross-appointment from each of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Seniors Advisory Committee, and Youth Advisory Committees.

3.      The Mayor is an ex officio voting member of the committee.

4.      A Chair and Vice-Chair will be elected by members at the first meeting annually.

5.      Council may terminate the appointment of any member without notice.

1. Members will actively participate, and provide support and expertise.
2. The Chair will facilitate meetings, ensure participation by members, maintain decorum, and be the primary contact of the Committee.
3. Council appointees will act as a liaison between the Committee and Council. They will serve as voting members and count towards meetings quorum.
4. Staff will provide a committee liaison to manage administrative functions, including assisting the Chair with preparation of agendas and minutes, and attending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee meetings.
5. The Clerks Office will provide procedural and legislative guidance to the committee.

1.      It is the responsibility of all appointed members to comply and work with the following County procedures, by-laws and Provincial legislation, with guidance from staff:

1. 1. Municipal Act
   2. Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
   3. Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
   4. The Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act
   5. Haldimand County’s Procedure By-law
   6. Council Code of Conduct
   7. Haldimand County Accountability and Transparency Policy
   8. Haldimand County Social Media Policy
   9. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
   10. Other applicable Haldimand County by-laws and policies

2.      The Committee may make recommendations to Council on various issues related to the Committee’s mandate, through meeting minutes, motions, and reports.

3.      The Committee may take on additional initiatives as recommended or approved by Council or the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

The term of office for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee will be the term of Council.

While the Clerks Office  and staff liaison staff provide administrative support, the entire Corporation will provide input and support to the Committee as required, with the approval of the CAO and/or the relevant General Manager.

The Committee will act as an advisory body and does not have any delegated authority. Recommendations for implementation must first be considered and approved by Council or recommended by the CAO.

The Committee will report to Council once per year with a written report and 10-minute presentation on its activities and its intended direction or projects.

All approved Committee minutes will form part of the next regular Council agenda.

No member shall receive remuneration for services.

If a Committee Member is absent for three consecutive meetings, without being authorized to do so by a recommendation of the committee, they have forfeited their membership.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee shall meet quarterly, and more frequently at the discretion of the Chair. Meetings shall be governed by The Haldimand County Procedure By-law as may be amended from time to time. The agenda for any regularly scheduled meeting, complete with all reports and attachments, will be made available to members of the public a minimum of two business days prior to the meeting.  Meeting minutes will be made available to the public once they have been approved by the Committee.

Meetings may be held electronically. A member may participate electronically in open or closed meetings. Any such member shall be counted toward quorum of members present at any point in time and shall be able to vote, as permitted by the Municipal Act. Virtual access to meetings may be provided to members of the public at the discretion of the Chair. In the event Committee meetings are live streamed to the public, these meetings may occur in Council Chambers and members will be assigned seating to accommodate the technical requirements of the video recording system.

About Gayatri Bousfield

Gayatri brings her passion for supporting an inclusive, responsive and equitable public service delivery within Haldimand County in her role as a DEIAC member. Having lived in four countries, delivered social services assistance programs at the regional level, and provided enterprise risk management and strategic human resources services in a professional capacity at the provincial level government for over 23 years, Gayatri is dedicated to supporting impactful and meaningful change for county residents.

About Anita Gombos Hill

Anita is eager to bring her academic and personal experience of immigration, social inequality and diversity to the County’s DEIA Committee. She decided to join the DEIAC in order to positively impact the experience of Haldimand County community members who belong to diverse social and economic groups. Professionally, Anita is a PhD Candidate (ABD) at York University in the Sociology Program. Her research interests include immigration, racism and anti-racism, sociology of health and women’s health. She is a Board Director at Haldimand-Norfolk Community Senior Support Services (HNCSSS) and a Patient Advisor as well as a Board Director at the Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN).

About Arif Majid

Arif is a husband, a father, and a long-time resident of Caledonia, here in Haldimand County. He is an Insurance Broker and business owner. Arif has a passion for social justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion.  From an early age, he felt it important to bring people together and celebrate their differences. He’s been a member of various groups and committees throughout his school and his professional years that stand for and fight for inclusion and diversity. It is Arif’s belief that people represent the community they live in, and that community, in turn, should not only represent them but reflect them. People should see their faces in their community, and feel safe, wanted and very much at home within that community.

About John Pack

John Pack has been involved with Midland Council serving on various committees for more than 20 years. For the last eight years, he has served on three committees here in Haldimand County. He has always enjoyed working with staff, other committees and the public, and is looking forward to working with the DEIA committee members and giving a voice to all who need it.

About Harsit Patel

Harsit is a long-time resident of Haldimand County. His family immigrated to Cayuga when he was seven years old and has been a part of this community ever since. He has witnessed how great the community can be in opening its arms to newcomers from all walks of life.  His background is in public and private health care, but his passion is in helping others, and a part of this is to educate and support others to feel at home, right here in our beautiful grand community.