Two Good News Stories from City Council this Week
First, the Women and Gender Equity Strategy
As the City Council’s Liaison for Women and Gender Equity, and Chair of the City’s Women and Gender Equity Sponsors Group, I am proud to announce that Ottawa City Council approved the City’s first Women and Gender Equity Strategy on Wednesday, April 14.
The strategy outlines actions to address the impacts of discrimination on women and gender diverse peoples. It also takes an intersectional lens so that everyone, regardless of their gender, age, abilities, religion, race or income, can fully take part in all aspects of life in Ottawa.
The first phase of the implementation will take place throughout 2021 and 2022. During this time, the strategy will guide key action items in four priority areas: Community and Social Services; Recreation, Cultural and Facilities Services; Office of the City Clerk; and Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development departments. Long-term, the strategy is a commitment for the City to work towards women and gender equity across all departments.
Collectively, we can improve the City’s response to the needs of our diverse workforce and residents by; removing barriers facing intersectional groups of women and gender diverse persons, integrating a women and gender equity lens into City strategies, plans, policies and services and increasing our capacity to meaningfully engage women and gender diverse persons while ensuring safety and inclusivity in our workspaces.
Thank you to the Women and Gender Equity Specialist, Sawsan Al-Refaei, for leading the development of the strategy, and the Gender and Race Equity, Indigenous Relations, Diversity and Inclusion Branch of the Community and Social Services Department. My appreciation and gratitude to all employees who participated in the consultations and helped develop this ground-breaking strategy.
Second, read about the Chalk River Nuclear Facility near Surface Disposal Facility Resolution
Please stay home, stay safe, and be COVIDWise.
