LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee

The LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee is a volunteer committee established to provide leadership and advice to City Council on enhancing access and inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer (LGBTQ2+) communities to fully participate in City services and civic life.

Meetings

The committee shall meet approximately six times per year, or at the call of the Chair. You can view our meeting calendar for upcoming meeting dates and read the committee's agendas and minutes to stay informed.

The committee shall conduct its meetings in accordance with and otherwise comply with the City of St. Catharines Simplified Meeting Procedures for advisory bodies.

Purpose

The LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee will:

• Provide input on and support staff’s development of the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan, as it relates to issues impacting LGBTQ2+ communities.
• Promote and enhance St. Catharines as a welcoming city and improve the quality of life for all residents.
• Position the City, its advisory committees and City Council with knowledge and resources to encourage a range of perspectives, experiences and ideas in decision making.
• Provide insight and advice to staff and City Council on eliminating barriers experienced by members of under-represented and/or marginalized LGBTQ2+communities through contributions to policies, programs and plans developed by staff, or other decisions as requested by Council.
• Amplify staff efforts to engage the community through awareness of and relationship building with under-represented groups
• Work with staff and community partners to organize civic events and recognize significant cultural days or events.
• Actively engage the community and provide public education on relevant programs, services and issues of interest.

When matters may benefit from input from more than one equity-seeking committee the Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will facilitate this review and response. The LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee will be asked to provide input or may be asked to attend joint meetings.

At the determination of staff, the committee may also be requested to provide advice on administrative policies or practices.

Members

The membership term for the committee lasts for the term duration of City Council or as determined by Council.

Composition

The committee will be comprised of up to 10 members. Preference will be given to applicants with relevant lived experience, allies and advocates, and the majority of members should have relevant lived experience.

Notwithstanding the Simplified Meetings Procedures for advisory bodies, the Committee may invite non-member participation at the discretion of the Committee.

Reporting structure

The committee shall report directly to Council.

Administrative support to the Committee shall be provided by the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, which shall assign a Staff Liaison to the Committee.