REGINA – The vision statement for the city of Regina includes the words, “Canada’s most inclusive community.” One councillor thinks the city should prove it.
Among a string of appointments to boards and committees on which an elected official sits, Ward 2 councillor Bob Hawkins asked for an amendment that would order a review of gender and diversity makeup of nominees and representatives on those committees.
Hawkins also wants a review of procedures to ensure appropriate gender and diversity representation.
“You want to see people from around the world sitting on our committees.”
“It occurred to me that perhaps, on gender matters, diversity matters, we could do a little better,” Hawkins said. “We could maybe do a little recruiting, get the word out to the community that we’re looking for members from all communities in regina to serve on our committees and agencies.”
The city has 13 committees with sitting members of the public listed on its website, including the Board of Police Commissioners and Arts Advisory Committee. There are several other commmittes on which members are approved by city council, such as Regina’s Warehouse Business Improvement District Board.
“Some committees are better than others. Overall, we’re good but we could do better,” said Mayor Michael Fougere. “Over the last 10 years we’ve had a lot of immigration from around the world. You want to see people from around the world sitting on our committees.”
The list of nominees approved Monday night appeared to be mostly male, Hawkins said.
Hawkins’ amendment received unanimous support.
A report will come back before Regina city council in early 2015.
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