Let’s Talk About Racism

Anti-Black racism education
*Scroll down to learn more about the Mayor's Black Youth Liaison Committee.
The City of Markham is one of Canada’s most diverse cities and is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
We are proud of our rich diversity and strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome, has a sense of belonging, and is free of racism and discrimination.
Our work to ensure everyone feels welcome has never stopped – we are continuing to actively pursue our goals to combat anti-Black racism.
In order to raise more awareness about this issue, the City is offering its Let’s Talk about Racism eLearning to the public. This is the same education that Markham Council and City staff have received.
Despite human rights legislation and other legal measures to protect the rights of racialized people, anti-Black racism exists from coast-to-coast-to-coast and within the borders of the City of Markham, and we all have a role to play in disrupting and dismantling racism in all its forms.
How do we begin disrupting the racism that runs deep in Canada?
We listen, we learn, and we act.
Markham’s Special Advisor on anti-Black racism speaks about making significant change
Update on Markham’s Strategy to combat anti-Black racism (January 2021)
- Experiencing technical issues?
What are the minimum requirements for my computer in order to take the eLearning course?
Hardware Specification
- PC — Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 (or above); Internet connection: 5Mbps (megabits per second) or above for a single user as many of our courses contain streaming video.
- MAC — Screen resolution: 1020 x 768 (or above); Internet connection: 5Mbps (megabits per second) or above for a single user as many of our courses contain streaming video.
Memory (when playing video)
- PC — At least 4GB of RAM
- MAC — At least 4GB of RAM
Operating System
- PC — Windows 7 or higher
- MAC — Mac OS X 10.9 or higher
Browser Support
- PC — Google Chrome, version 44 and higher, Mozilla Firefox, version 44 and higher, Internet Explorer, version 11 and higher*, Opera, version 12.18 and higher.
- MAC — Chrome 44 or higher
Cookies
- PC — Cookies must be accepted
- MAC — Cookies must be accepted
JavaScript
- PC — JavaScript must be enabled
- MAC — JavaScript must be enabled
Pop-up Blockers
- PC — Turn off and disable all pop-up blockers
- MAC — Turn off and disable all pop-up blockers
Screen Reader
- PC — Jaws version 2019 with Chrome
- MAC — Jaws version 2019 with Chrome
Note: eLearning is also compatible with mobile devices and tablets using the appropriate web browser. The size of your screen may impact your learning experience. It is recommended that a larger screen or computer be used.
Where can I update my internet browser?
Download the latest version of your preferred internet browser:Computer:
Smartphone & Tablet:
iOS:
Android:
Need more help?- eLearning Help Guide [PDF]
- Customer Contact Centre
- Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5 PM
- 905.477.5530
- customerservice@markham.ca
- Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee
Watch a special video message from Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Sydney Baxter on the launch of the new Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee:
The Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee will be a voice for Black youth in the City of Markham by providing an open forum for youth to convey perspectives on issues and initiatives that are of particular importance to them. The Committee will provide guidance and advice to the City to support Black youth in the community and combat anti-Black racism, in collaboration with key City staff, including the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist, political leaders and community stakeholders.
We are looking to fill a minimum of eight (8) spots (with 1 to 2 representatives from: Markham, Milliken, Thornhill and Unionville). Applicants must be between the ages of 15 to 19 at the start of the term and be a resident of the City of Markham.
Application deadline: April 19, 2021
Terms of Reference [PDF]
Apply online or
Download a paper copy of the application form and mail it to:
Laura Gold
Markham Civic Centre
101 Town Centre Boulevard
Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3
Contact Laura Gold at 905.477.7000 extension 4930 or lgold@markham.ca- Markham’s Diversity Action Plan
The City of Markham’s Diversity Action Plan was developed through extensive public consultation and contains 68 recommendations that have further strengthened our commitment towards inclusion and celebrating our diversity.
Read Markham's Diversity Action Plan [PDF]
The City is currently preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to engage consultants to update the Diversity Action Plan, including consultation with members of Markham and York Region’s Black communities.
- Related links
- Update on Markham’s Strategy to combat anti-Black racism (January 2021)
- Markham Announces Strategy to Combat Anti-Black Racism (July 20, 2020)
- Markham’s advisor on anti-Black racism shares her personal experience (video)
- Mayor Scarpitti Statement on Anti-Black Racism (June 3, 2020)
- Markham's Diversity Action Plan (2010) [PDF]
- Markham Inclusion Charter [PDF]
- York Region Inclusion Charter [PDF]
- Stay connected
There are a number of ways to stay connected and to be informed about the City of Markham’s efforts in the area of diversity, inclusion and equity.
Sign up to get the latest updates about Markham’s Diversity Action Plan and strategy to combat anti-Black racism.
City of Markham Council Advisory Committees
The City of Markham has a number of Council Advisory Committees related to diversity. Consider applying and joining one of the Committees, attending the meeting as a guest, or keeping up on with their meetings by reviewing their minutes.
Advisory Committee on Accessibility
- This Committee assists Council in improving opportunities and access for persons with disabilities by promoting the implementation of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Markham.
Race Relations Committee
- This Committee provides advice and guidance to Council about matters relating to race relations, social cohesion, equity, racism and inclusion.
Seniors Advisory Committee
- This Committee provides recommendations to Council on Seniors' issues, solicits input from the Seniors' community and promotes awareness of Seniors' needs within the City of Markham.
Markham Mayor’s Youth Council
- This is a youth advisory council that represents all regions of Markham to raise awareness of community issues and provides a way for youth to get involved.
Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee
- Have your voice heard and help combat anti-Black racism as a Markham youth ages 15 to 19.
Volunteer
The City of Markham is always looking for passionate people ages 14 and older who want to share their talents, skills and experiences to make Markham an even better place to live, work and play. Volunteering is a fun and engaging way to give back to your community and to get to know your neighbours.
People of all ages and abilities can volunteer with the City of Markham. Check out the City’s volunteer opportunities with the City’s Advisory Committees, Boards, Recreation Services, Markham Museum, Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Flato Markham Theatre, Markham Public Library, Sustainability or at one of the City’s events.
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