HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 29, 2020
Zoom Videoconference
Present: Jennie Esnard, Chair
Tracy Thornton, BC - Yukon Region
Samah Henein, Prairies – NWT
Din Kamaldin, Ontario Region
Charlotte Young, NCR
Dotty Kelland, Atlantic
Richard Gaboton, Education Officer
Shelby Woodman, Staff Support
Regrets: Sonia Richard, Québec
Guests: Connor Smithers-Mapp
Greg Scriver
1. Call to order/Introductions
The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. via Zoom videoconference. J. Esnard thanked everyone for joining the meeting.
2. Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was approved as presented
3. Approval of the Minutes
The minutes were approved as presented.
4. Black Lives Matter
As a result of the “Black Lives Matter” movement, the Chair and some committee members have responded to an influx of emails/texts/telephone calls from members.
J. Esanrd will be seeking approval from the Board of Directors to create a Black Caucus, a sub-committee of the HRDC, to ensure that PIPSC members have a safe place to voice their stories and/or concerns. The caucus would focus on implementing a PIPSC strategy to combat anti-black racism and eliminate barriers within the workplace and the Institute.
C. Smithers-Mapp joined the meeting to discuss his experience as a radicalized man, with his employer and the Institute. He stressed the importance of having uncomfortable conversations, purposeful intent, accountability and measurability. He recommended that the committee think of ways to address anti-black racism and look inward to think about what can be done for equity members – i.e. Identify the barriers, and identify ways to overcome them.
Another important area to focus on is the inclusion of all members, if there are volunteers wanting to make change, it should be embraced, as everyone needs to work towards a better future.
It was recommended that the committee work together on plan of action, focusing on anti-black racism, and provide the Board with a concrete recommendation.
R. Gaboton advised that he is currently working with two facilitators on a session in regards to anti-black racism, white privilege, and white supremacy. This training will be delivered to the staff of the PIPSC Toronto Regional office.
5. CLC Indigenous Rights Working Group
G. Scriver joined the meeting to discuss the work being done in collaboration with the CLC Indigenous Rights Working Group.
Last year, he co-lead the very first Indigenous Lobby Day at Parliament Hill. This initiative brought members together from across Canada. They discussed specific issues with the MPS – I.e. Murdered and missing indigenous women, residential schools, cleaning drinking water, as well as a statutory holiday - Indigenous Day.
G. Scriver is also working on a virtual land acknowledgement. Last year he attended the Summer Solstice, which was held in the BC/Yukon Region. PIPSC sponsored the very first APTN Indigenous Day Live Event in Whitehorse. He was supposed to attend this year, however, due to the pandemic, it was cancelled. The Institute is looking at recognizing a Winter Solstice instead, and are currently working with ATPN at bringing it together.
There was a discussion in regards to the importance of self-identifying. The Institute cannot represent the members if we are not aware of who they are. The more awareness, the better for all.
It was recommended that the HRDC set up sub groups of the HRDC committee to bring things forward.
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6. Portfolio Distribution/ New Structure of PIPSC
Given the importance of all Human Rights portfolios being represented, the chair would like to ensure that all committees are populated. The HRDC will direct change and guide change at PIPSC. It was recommended that each committee member reach out to active PIPSC members that will drive the committees.
The portfolios were assigned as follows:
Tracy Thornton
Mental Health & OSH
Disabilities
Samah Henein
Workers of Color
Disabilities
Din Kamaldin
Black Caucus
Charlotte Young
Indigenous Portfolio
LGBTQ+
Dotty Kelland
Women’s Portfolio
Sonia Richard
Official Languages
Jennie Esnard
Human Rights & Education
There was a discussion in regards to a budget for speakers. The Chair advised the committee to bring forward their requests, which will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
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R. Gaboton offered to prepare a proposal as to how the Speakers series would unfold. It was suggested that we have a registration process to ensure that the Zoom platform can support the number of participants during the Information Sessions.
Action: J. Esnard to share the list of portfolios with the office of the President.
Action: R. Gaboton to prepare a proposal as to how the Speakers series could work.
7. Speaker Series
J. Esnard would like to organize a full speaker series on Human Rights & Diversity. It would be beneficial for all, it will engage our members, and raise awareness on all fronts.
It was recommended that we share information of potential speakers with the rest of the committee members.
Action: J. Esnard to share ongoing information on Speaker Series with the committee.
8. Round Table
Prairies/N.W.T.
It was recommended that we share our resources and learn from each other. Education Officer
The Popular Education Training that is being given to EROs includes discussions about Human Rights, as well as white privilege.
R. Gaboton advised that he has contacted Larry Rousseau, and he is able to participate in the Speakers series.
9. Next Meeting Date
It was suggested that the next meeting date be scheduled in early August 2020. Action: S. Woodman to send a Doodle poll to confirm the next meeting date. 10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
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