Port Coquitlam, BC – Aug. 30, 2021… 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 Sept. 7.

Mayor Brad West launched the Roundtable on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in 2020 to demonstrate the City’s commitment to removing barriers and developing welcoming, inclusive and equitable practices and policies for the City. The EDI Roundtable includes a diverse cross-section of citizens whose lived experiences enable a deeper understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion issues and opportunities. Members’ terms begin in September and last one year.

“Over the past year, the members of our Roundtable on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion have provided the City with valuable insights based on their lived experience or knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion matters.” Mayor West said. “Their input has helped trigger important conversations, reflection and actions as we work to become a more equitable and inclusive City and community. We’re now welcoming new voices for the upcoming 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 represent a broad range of under-served and equity-seeking groups including Indigenous, Black, people of colour, LGBT2SQ+ and gender diverse people, immigrants and newcomers, people living in poverty, people with disabilities, seniors, women, youth and others. Experience working in teams or with community groups, boards or organizations is an asset.

The roundtable meets about six times per year. Those interested in a one-year term may apply online at portcoquitlam.ca/edi by noon Sept. 7. 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 our 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.

For example, input from the EDI Roundtable’s first year has informed or led to City initiatives such as:

• Training and education for all City employees in 2021 to provide staff with tools to create and uphold a respectful, safe and inclusive workplace and community;
• The development of the City’s first Anti-Racism Policy (now in progress);
• The Little Library Read in Color Program, which encourages neighbourhoods to read and share books reflecting diversity and inclusion;
• Including a greater breadth of diverse voices in events such as May Days and Canada Day; and
• Port Coquitlam’s first Pride in PoCo event this year.

“We heard from members of the EDI Roundtable that there is a need for the City to promote respect, knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of our community,” Mayor West said. “We took action to respond to that input and are excited to see what other opportunities the EDI Roundtable will bring to us. I want to sincerely thank last year’s members for sharing their lived experience, diverse perspectives, expertise and passion.”

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 by the end of September.

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