Building Markham's Future Together :

Diversity

Markham communities represent the full range of human experience, from all stages of life, abilities and ethno-cultural backgrounds. To serve them better, the Markham needs to develop a clear strategy and related policies to:

• Promote unity and inclusiveness
• Provide programs and services that address the diverse needs of Markham residents.

Here's our plan:

Create a Diversity Action Plan

Everyone Welcome!

The Diversity Action Plan was developed through extensive public consultation and contains 68 recommendations that will further strengthen our commitment towards inclusivity and celebrating our diversity.

With that goal in mind, the Plan pays particular attention to the needs of four communities of focus; youth, newcomers and visible minorities, seniors and persons with disabilities.

Markham Council approved the Diversity Action Plan on June 15, 2010.

Current Status
Complete.

Markham Diversity Action Plan ( 3.9MB/35p)

Questions?
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Diversity Action Plan, please contact Cheryl McConney Wilson, Diversity Specialist, City of Markham, at 905-477-7000 ext. 2557 or CMcConney-Wilson@markham.ca
 

Engage Markham’s diverse communities.

We will take steps to involve diverse groups in our activities and initiatives, including regular focus groups and fostering a welcoming environment at all our facilities with a “doors wide open” philosophy.

Foster a greater understanding of diversity across Markham through community partnerships.

This will help us align our services and programs with the needs of Markham residents. It will also demonstrate our commitment to unity and to respecting and promoting human rights.

Enhancing Markham boards and committees.

We will introduce a Seniors Committee. We will also review the mandates of the Race Relations Committee, the Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility, and the Mayor’s Youth Task Force.

Find ways to make Markham services more accessible.

Our goal is to reduce barriers to as many people as possible in the physical environment, customer service and communications. This includes new multilingual services and assistive communication technologies.

Read Markham's Accessibility Strategy Brochure. ( 593k/2p)

Develop an effective communications plan.

Our goal is to increase awareness of our diversity strategy and foster a sense of inclusion across all Markham communities.

Engage and educate Markham staff.

We will develop a vision statement, strategy and comprehensive work plan to move staff towards an increased level of “Diversity Competence.” This will include: mandatory training for all staff; inclusive human resources practices, with a special focus on hiring; opportunities for staff to mentor diverse individuals in their career development; an effective communications plan; and a program to measure success.