HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 3, 2021
Zoom Videoconference
Present: Jennie Esnard, Chair
Farzana Merani, Prairies – NWT
Samah Henein, Friend, Prairies – NWT
Stewart Wong, Friend, Prairies – NWT
Din Kamaldin, Ontario Region
Charlotte Young, NCR
Richard Gaboton, Education Officer
Shelby Woodman, Staff Support
Regrets: Dotty Kelland, Atlantic
Sonia Richard, Québec
Sohila Sherbafi, BC/Yukon
1. Call to order/Introductions
The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. via Zoom videoconference.
2. Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was approved pending minor adjustments.
3. Approval of the Minutes
The minutes were approved as presented.
4. Board of Directors News
The chair advised that the Board of Directors had a lengthy discussion in regards to in person meetings, and thus, they will continue to be suspended September 7, 2021.
As the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion projects continues, a decision was made to have Anti-Racism training provided to active members by the end of 2021.
PIPSC is currently developing an Employment Equity Policy for staff, which is to be presented at the June Board meeting. The chair reminded the committee that the HRDC’s mandate is to issue statements and proposals for the membership side, not the staff side.
5. A Critical Review of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Published Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2019-2022
A staff member the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission reviewed the Diversity and Inclusion plan, and was disturbed by the content. This particular template was shared within various departments to be implemented. As there are missing pieces, it is very important to review the plan, and ensure that all equity groups are equally represented.
S. Woodman shared the document with the committee for review and to provide their input.
Action. All committee members to review the CNSC’s Inclusion plan, and provide their input to the Chair.
6. Update on Caucuses
There was a discussion in regards to ensuring that the committee’s progress continues.
Black Caucus
There is a Black Caucus meeting scheduled on May 5, 2021. J. Esnard will be participating as one of the Panelists. An update on the current status of matters will be provided, followed by a discussion of the next steps.
LGBTQ2
A work plan has been developed for the LGBTQ+ Caucus. They are considering having a scarf designed which would include the different equity groups. C. Young will be contacting potential speakers for webinars, panel discussions, and/or info pieces.
Indigenous
C. Young has been meeting with staff to plan for Indigenous Awareness month in June. She would like to schedule an educational piece in June, and invite a speaker from the Wabano Centre to educate the membership on micro-aggressions. She also received the final draft artwork for the Orange shirts.
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Disability
C. Young shared her notes from the CLC Disability Working Group meeting with the HRDC.
7. Roundtable
Chair
There was a discussion in regards to the creation of the DRPC, as well as their tasks.
Education
R. Gaboton advised that he has been searching for speakers from the Black community to address the different caucuses. At this point, he has only been able to find a speaker to address Mental Health.
He will be hosting a trivia game in regards to Asian Heritage month for the staff in June. The Chair suggested that a national session be held for the membership this year.
Prairies/N.W.T.
There have been so many ongoing incidents in regards to Anti-Asian racism. The Chair informed the committee that upon discussions with the Board, there is a need of a safe place for our Asian membership.
F. Merani inquired as to what the Women’s portfolio entails. It was suggested that the Chair and Farzana schedule a meeting to discuss her role and responsibilities as the Chair of the Women’s Caucus.
Action: S. Woodman to schedule a one-on-one meeting between J. Esnard and F. Merani.
NCR
C. Young will share her list of potential speakers with R. Gaboton.
8. Next Meeting Date
Action: S. Woodman to send a Doodle poll to confirm the next meeting date.
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9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at.2:20 p.m.
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