The City of St. Catharines' Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is a volunteer committee that advises Council on matters of equity, inclusion, and removing discrimination barriers. We use a diverse lens and community driven approach.
Meetings
The Committee meets monthly or at the discretion of the Chair. You can view our meeting calendar for upcoming meeting dates. Read our agendas and minutes to stay informed.
Our purpose
The Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee was established to:
- Promote St. Catharines as a welcoming city to all residents with programs, policies and practices to meet that goal
- Provide knowledge and perspectives to encourage diverse decision making
- Advise on delivery of public programs, services and spaces
- Review the City's policies and programs within their mandate
- Work with community groups to create events that promote equity, inclusion and removal of discrimination
- Create an annual award for inclusivity leadership as part of the City's volunteer awards
Members
Membership terms align with Council terms or as determined by Council. The Committee may invite non-member participation as needed. The current members are:
- Essra Abdelsamed
- Nina Jain-Sheehan
- Nesrine Kandil
- Emily Kovacs
- Maria Laws
- Yaneth Londono
- Trecia McLennon (Chair)
- Katherine Ramkhelawan (Vice-Chair)
- Stephanie Smith
- Ezinne Waboso
- Vicki-Lynn Smith, representative from Anti-Racism Advisory Committee
- Liam Coward, representative from LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee
- Anika Forde, Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (staff liaison)
Composition
The Committee consists of up to 12 members with relevant lived experience, knowledge, or skills as follows:
- Immigrants and refugees
- Indigenous peoples
- Undocumented individuals
- Persons with low income
- Women
- LGBTQ2+ members
- Racialized people
- Persons with disabilities
- Vulnerable seniors
- Vulnerable youth
Reporting structure
The Committee reports to Council through the Social Sustainability Committee. The Chair of the Diversity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee will also be a member of the Social Sustainability Committee.