Port Coquitlam, BC – Nov. 17, 2022… Community members who want to help eliminate discrimination and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in Port Coquitlam are invited to apply to join one of the City’s citizen roundtables by Dec. 4.

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Roundtable is entering its third year, launched in 2020 by Mayor Brad West to demonstrate the City’s commitment to removing barriers and developing welcoming, inclusive and equitable practices and policies for the City.

“I am proud of the continued work of being committed to promoting a culture of inclusion by providing accessible and equitable programs, services and facilities to residents and employees. We are deeply committed to the necessary work ahead that supports a more inclusive community,” said Mayor Brad West. “We look forward to hearing a new set of voices for the upcoming 2023/24 year, and if you are someone who is committed and passionate about bringing about change in our community, we encourage you to apply.”

The City is seeking volunteers who reflect the community itself, the EDI Roundtable members offer the diverse voices of Indigenous people, Black, people of colour, LGBT2SQ+ and gender diverse people, people with disabilities, immigrants and newcomers, people living in poverty, seniors, women and youth and others. Experience working in teams or with community groups, boards or organizations is an asset.

One of the focuses for the 2023/24 year, in accordance with the Accessible British Columbia Act, the roundtable will be providing input on the creation of the City’s first accessibility plan and a mechanism for public feedback on accessibility. EDI members will have the opportunity to join a sub-committee where they will act as a resource and provide feedback on identifying, removing and preventing barriers that community members with disabilities, including physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive impairments, experience or may experience in the course of interacting with the City.

The next term will begin in January 2023 and end in June 2024 with meetings taking place every other month on Monday evenings. The roundtable will break in July and August, and members will have the opportunity to take part in additional working group projects and discussions.

Those interested may apply online by Dec. 4 at portcoquitlam.ca/edi. Previous members may also put their name forward to be considered for re-appointment.

The EDI roundtable acts as a resource to staff on City priorities concerning diversity, equity and inclusion in the community. Members have the opportunity to share feedback and provide input on eliminating systemic barriers and creating inclusive opportunities that celebrate diversity through programs, events, services and policies.

The selection process for the coming term will seek a well-rounded group of individuals who represent the community’s diversity and live, work or go to school in Port Coquitlam. The selected members will be announced in Jan. 2023.

Input from the EDI roundtable’s second year informed and led to City initiatives that included development of Port Coquitlam’s first Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy, the inclusion of American Sign Language, sensory friendly spaces, a greater breadth of diverse voices at City events and the review and revision of the cultural celebrations and days of acknowledgement that the City recognizes. Members also received the City’s proclamation recognizing Mar. 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and presented to Council the importance of this day, bringing awareness to the reality of racial discrimination.

For more information about this and other citizen roundtables in Port Coquitlam, visit portcoquitlam.ca/roundtable.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca