The Task Force on Community Access and Equity has not completed its mandate but is no longer active. The following information is provided for archival purposes.

The Task Force on Community Access and Equity was absorbed by the Roundtable on Access, Equity and Human Rights.

THE CITY OF TORONTO

Clerk's Department

Minutes

Thursday, July 16, 1998.

The Task Force on Community Access and Equity met on Thursday, July 16, 1998, in Committee Room 308, 3rd Floor, Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Toronto, commencing at 4:45 p.m.

Members Present:

Councillor Joe Mihevc, Chair
Gloria Fallick, Co-Chair
Sylvia Maracle, Co-Chair
Shaheen Ali
Dennis Fong
Sonja Greckol
Charles Ng
Khan Rahi
Duberlis Ramos
Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues
Al Reeves
Carole Riback
Kenn Richard

Confirmation of Minutes.

On motion by Khan Rahi, the minutes of the meeting of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity held on June 11, 1998 were confirmed.

37. African Canadian Legal Clinic.

The Task Force had before it a communication (June 26, 1998) from Margaret Parsons, Executive Director, African Canadian Legal Clinic, requesting an opportunity to address the Task Force regarding two main concerns common to all diverse communities: (1) the importance of a strong, vibrant and properly funded Access and Equity Unit that would serve as the corporate catalyst for all access and equity programs and initiatives throughout the City of Toronto; and (2) the importance of strategic planning with broad based community support to ensure that the recommendations of the Task Force are adopted by City Council.

Margaret Parsons, Executive Director; Camille Lee and Arif Virani, African Canadian Legal Clinic, made a presentation to the Task Force on Community Access and Equity to address their concerns.

(Sent to Margaret Parsons, Executive Director, African Canadian Legal Clinic; Camille Lee, African Canadian Legal Clinic; Arif Virani, African Canadian Legal Clinic; Writing Team, Task Force on Community Access and Equity - Co-Chair Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair Gloria Fallick, Councillor Pam McConnell, Shaheen Ali, Dennis Fong, Sonja Greckol, Khan Rahi, Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21, 1998)

The Task Force had before it a joint communication (July 3, 1998) from Katerina Makovec and Surjan Zirvi, Co-Chairs, Access Action Council, requesting an opportunity to address the Task Force at the meeting of July 16, 1998.

Surjan, Zirvi, Co-Chair; and Miranda Pinto, Access Action Council, made a presentation to the Task Force on Community Access and Equity.

(Sent to: Katerina Makovec, Co-Chair, Access Action Council; Surjan Zirvi, Co-Chair, Access Action Council; Miranda Pinto, Access Action Council; Writing Team, Task Force on Community Access and Equity - Co-Chair Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair Gloria Fallick, Councillor Pam McConnell, Shaheen Ali, Dennis Fong, Sonja Greckol, Khan Rahi, Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21, 1998)

39. The Toronto Chapter - National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality.

The Task Force had before it a communication (June 19, 1998) from John Rae on behalf of The Toronto Chapter, National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality and a former member of the Mayor's Task Force on the Elderly and Disabled, requesting an opportunity to address the Task Force at the meeting of Thursday, July 16, 1998; advising that he believes greater attention must be devoted to giving disability issues higher visibility within Toronto's new reality and that his presentation will consist of two parts (1) how disability issues should receive their rightful attention and (2) substantive issues which require urgent attention.

Shirley Gibson made a presentation to the Task Force on behalf of John Rae representing The Toronto Chapter, National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality and a former member of the Mayor's Task Force on the Elderly and Disabled, expressing concern regarding the amount of attention given to disability issues and commenting on the disability issues that require urgent attention.

(Sent to: John Rae, The Toronto Chapter, National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality; Writing Team, Task Force on Community Access and Equity - Co-Chair Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair Gloria Fallick, Councillor Pam McConnell, Shaheen Ali, Dennis Fong, Sonja Greckol, Khan Rahi, Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21,1998)

The Task Force had before it a report (June 25, 1998) from the Executive Director of Human Resources, headed "Focus Report - Access and Equity Consultation Issues - New Official Plan", in response to the Task Force's request that staff submit a focus report on the new Official Plan; outlining consultation strategies which incorporate the principles of access and equity into the preparation of the new Official Plan; and recommending that:

(a) the consultation framework with the City's diverse communities outlined in this report regarding the new Official Plan be endorsed by the Task Force on Community Access and Equity and forwarded to the Urban Environment and Development Committee;

(b) staff report further on specific proposals regarding access and equity issues to be included in the new Official Plan; and

(c) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

On motion by Gloria Fallick, the Task Force:

(1) recommended to the Urban Environment and Development Committee and Council that the consultation framework outlined in the report regarding the new Official Plan, be endorsed; and (2) requested the appropriate staff to report further on specific proposals regarding access and equity to be included in the new Official Plan.

(Sent to: Executive Director, Human Resources; Urban Environment and Development Committee; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21, 1998)

41. Task Force Consultation Guide - Written Submissions.

The Task Force had before it a communication (July 7, 1998) from Charles Smith of the Access and Equity Centre, headed "Written Submissions to the Task Force's Consultation Guide", advising that the Task Force's Consultation Guide was circulated by mail and made available over the Internet; that individuals receiving the Consultation Guide were invited to either attend one of the many consultation sessions and/or submit their concerns in writing; and that in response to this, the attached submissions have been received from the following and are forwarded for information:

- Charles Novogrodsky;
- COTAPSAI, the City of Toronto Administrative, Professional Supervisory Association Incorporated;
- Ontario March of Dimes;
- Canadian Hearing Society, Hearing Care Counselling Program (Toronto Region);
- The Employment Equity Council;
- Dr. Marlinda Freire;
- The Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic;
- New Canadians Settlement Services;
- Human Rights and Race Relations Centre; and
- A. Ashawasega, City of Toronto Aboriginal Liaison Consultant.

The Task Force also had before it submissions from the following:

- The Ontario College of Family Physicians;
- Naga Ramalingam, Society for the Aid of Sri Lankan Minorities (SACEM); and
- James Bell, Executive Director, Swansea Town Hall Community Centre.

On Motion by Charles Ng, the Task Force referred the aforementioned communication and submissions to the Writing Team of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity, for its consideration and inclusion when preparing the first draft report.

(Sent to: Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre; Writing Team, Task Force on Community Access and Equity - Co-Chair Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair Gloria Fallick, Councillor Pam McConnell, Shaheen Ali, Dennis Fong, Sonja Greckol, Khan Rahi, Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues; c. Chief Administrative Officer - July 21, 1998)

42. Millennium Celebrations.

The Task Force on Community Access and Equity had before it a communication (May 21, 1998) from the City Clerk, advising that City Council at its meeting held on May 13 and 14, 1998, adopted Clause No. 7, embodied in Report No. 8 of the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, headed "Millennium Celebrations and Establishment of a Task Force", wherein it is recommended, in part, that a Millennium Task Force be struck to plan Toronto's role in the year long activities for the Year 2000, with representation from Council and relevant operating departments, with project management and staff support being seconded from within the City.

On motion by Duberlis Ramos, the Task Force recommended to the Millennium Task Force that access and equity principles be considered a vital core of the millennium celebrations.

(Sent to: Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre; Millennium Task Force; c. Chief Administrative Officer - July 21, 1998)

43. Linkages with Other Task Forces - Children's Action Committee.

The Task Force on Community Access and Equity had before it a communication (June 22, 1998) from the City Clerk, headed "Linkages With Other Task Forces", in response to the Task Force's request of April 27, 1998 that the Children's Action Committee liaise with the Task Force on Community Access and Equity by:

(a) sharing information on their public consultations and communications;
(b) sharing minutes of their meetings and any reports that have access and equity implications;

(c) placing access and equity issues on their agendas and ensuring these issues are included in their deliberations; and

(d) being available to appear before the Task Force on Community Access and Equity on those matters of interest to the Task Force; and

On motion by Khan Rahi, the Task Force on Community Access and Equity received the aforementioned communication and reaffirmed to the Children's Action Committee that a linkage was established with the Task Force on Community Safety in April, 1998.

(Sent to: Children's Action Committee; Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre; c. Shirley Hoy, Commissioner of Community and Social Services; Marna Ramsden, General Manager, Children's Services; Nancy Matthews, Coordinator, Children's Action Committee; Carolyn Whitzman, Healthy City Office - July 21, 1998)

44. Toronto Arts Council - Paper on Cultural Diversity.

The Task Force on Community Access and Equity had before it a communication (June 15, 1998) from Rita Davies, Executive Director, Toronto Arts Council, forwarding a paper dated June 4, 1998, on the work that the Toronto Arts Council has done in the area of cultural diversity and a copy of the Toronto Arts Council's June, 1992 report titled "Cultural Equity"; commenting that the consultation schedule does not appear to have a session specifically focussed on cultural equity; and recommending that the Task Force seriously consider providing an opportunity for the cultural community to speak on the issue.

On motion by Dennis Fong, the Task Force:

(1) received the aforementioned communication and accompanying material; and (2) requested that Rita Davies, Executive Director, Toronto Arts Council, be invited to address the Task Force on the issue of cultural equity, at its next meeting to be held on Thursday, September 24, 1998 at 9:30 a.m.

(Sent to: Rita Davies, Executive Director, Toronto Arts Council; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre; Chief Administrative Officer - July 21, 1998)

45. Federation of Canadian Municipalities Race Relations Program

The Task Force on Community Access and Equity had before it a communication (June 22, 1998), from Cyril Dabydeen, Race Relations Manager, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, forwarding an update with respect to the recent actions of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Race Relations Program after the Annual Conference in Regina in early June, 1998 and a "Year-in-Review" report which was presented at the Conference's Policy on Race Relations on Monday, June 8, 1998.

On motion by Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues, the Task Force received the aforementioned communication and accompanying material.

(Sent to: Cyril Dabydeen, Race Relations Manager, Federation of Canadian Municipalities; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21, 1998)

46. Publication - "Education at Work" - Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 79.

The Task Force had before it a publication titled "Education at Work - a Labour-Management Retraining Project" by the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 79.

On motion by Shaneen Ali, the Task Force referred the aforementioned publication to the Writing Team of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity, for its consideration when preparing the draft report.

(Sent to: Denis Casey, First Vice-President, Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 79; Writing Team, Task Force on Community Access and Equity - Co-Chair Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair Gloria Fallick, Councillor Pam McConnell, Shaheen Ali, Dennis Fong, Sonja Greckol, Khan Rahi, Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21, 1998)

47. Ontario Ombudsman's Newsletter - "Connection".

The Task Force had before it the June, 1998 edition of the Ontario Ombudsman's Newsletter titled "Connection".

On motion by Gloria Fallick, the Task Force received the aforementioned Newsletter.

48. Concerns regarding Employment Equity and Access and Equity Resources.

The Task Force had before it a communication (July 13, 1998) from Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity, headed "Concerns regarding Employment Equity and Access and Equity Resources"; respecting the potential for negative impact of the City's downsizing and restructuring on employment equity designated groups and full-time Access and Equity staff.

(1) that the Task Force on Community Access and Equity, through its Co-Chairs, express its concerns on the above matters to the Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Executive Director of Human Resources and the Amalgamation Office, encouraging them to take speedy and appropriate action regarding these concerns;

(2) that the Task Force on Community Access and Equity recommend to the Corporate Services Committee at its next meeting on July 20, 1998, the following:

(i) that the process for job competitions for remaining senior management, middle management and supervisory staff be monitored by the City's human rights staff to ensure compliance with access and equity goals and objectives;

(ii) that departments undertake to develop downsizing plans with specific access and equity goals to be reported on to the Corporate Services Committee for review before implementation;

(3) that the Special Committee to Review the Final Report of the Toronto Transition Team recommend to Council that:

(i) all of the City's Access and Equity staff report on an interim basis to the Chief Administrative Officer until the Task Force has completed its work; and

(ii) there be no reduction of access and equity resources until such time as the Task Force on Community Access and Equity has completed its work.

On motion by Sonja Greckol, the Task Force:

(1) directed that its concerns on the above matters be expressed to the Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Executive Director of Human Resources and the Amalgamation Office, and that they be encouraged to take speedy and appropriate action regarding these concerns;

(2) recommended to the Corporate Services Committee and Council that:

(a) the process for job competitions for remaining senior management, middle management and supervisory staff be monitored by the City's human rights staff to ensure compliance with access and equity goals and objectives; and

(b) departments be requested to develop downsizing plans with specific access and equity goals to be reported on to the Corporate Services Committee for review before implementation;

(3) recommended to the Special Committee to Review the Final Report of the Toronto Transition Team and Council that:

(a) all of the City's access and equity staff report on an interim basis to the Chief Administrative Officer until the Task Force on Community Access and Equity has completed its work; and

(b) there be no reduction of access and equity resources until such time as the Task Force has completed its work.

(Sent to: Corporate Services Committee; Special Committee to Review the Final Report of the Toronto Transition Team; Mayor Mel Lastman; Chief Administrative Officer; Commissioner of Corporate Services; Executive Director of Human Resources; Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair, Task Force on Community Access and Equity; Gloria Fallick, Co-Chair, Task Force on Community Access and Equity; Sylvia Maracle, Co-Chair, Task Force on Community Access and Equity; Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21, 1998)

The Task Force had before it a joint report (July 9, 1998) from the Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Director of Human Resources advising that had before it a joint report dated July 9, 1998, from the Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Director of Human Resources, headed "Access and Equity Grants Program Review" advising that in response to the Task Force's request, a review of the Access and Equity Grants Program is underway with consultations being coordinated through the Task Force on Community Access and Equity and through focus group discussions coordinated by City staff; that responses to the Task Force have been generated through the Task Force's "Consultation Guide" which has a number of questions regarding grants programs; that the "Discussion Paper" (July, 1998) titled "Access and Equity Grants Program Review - 1999 Policy Develop - Discussion Paper" has been developed for focus group discussion with Access and Equity Grants Program recipients and applicants; that the information gathered through the consultation process will contribute to the development of recommendations on the future implementation of the City's Access and Equity Grants Program; and recommending that this report be received for information.

The Task Force also had before it the Discussion Paper dated July, 1998, titled "Access and Equity Grants Program Review - 1999 Policy Development".

A. Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues moved that the Task Force:

(1) receive the aforementioned report and Discussion Paper; and

(2) request the appropriate Access and Equity staff to:

(i) identify inequities within the existing grants system; and

(ii) provide a timetable for the consideration of the grants, indicating the intervals at which the Task Force's intervention would be possible.

B. Moved by Duberlis Ramos that the Task Force:

(1) established a sub-group comprised of:

- Shaheen Ali;
- Khan Rahi;
- Duberlis Ramos;
- Carol Riback; and
- Kenn Richard;

to review the grants issue from a Task Force perspective as it relates to the grants policy and budgets, with the assistance of the appropriate Access and Equity staff.

The Task Force had before it the following communications:

(i) (June 21, 1998) from Peter J. Shepherd, Co-Chair, Toronto Joint Citizens Committee for People with Disabilities, requesting an opportunity to address the Task Force at the meeting of Thursday, July 16, 1998; advising that the Toronto Joint Citizens Committee for People with Disabilities represents a coalition of the citizen members of barrier-free and access Advisory Committees appointed by Councils of the former cities of Metropolitan Toronto and York's Accessibility Awareness Committee; that their mandate focuses on eliminating barriers for persons with disabilities and crosses all equity issues; that their goal is to enable all citizens full membership and participation in the services and facilities provided in and by our respective communities; and that as a result of their experience, they can offer important insight and perspective which will be better understood through direct presentation and dialogue; and

(ii) (July 10, 1998) from Lorne S. Berg, MCIP, RPP, on behalf of the Toronto Joint Citizens Committee for People with Disabilities forwarding a copy of the submission (July, 1998) to be presented by the Joint Citizens Committee for People with Disabilities at the July 16, 1998 meeting of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity.

On motion by Al Reeves, the Task Force:

(1) received the aforementioned communications and submission; and (2) forwarded a copy of the presentation by Lorne S. Berg and Peter J. Shepherd of the Toronto Joint Citizens Committee for People with Disabilities, to the Writing Team of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity for its consideration when preparing the draft report.

(Sent to: Toronto Joint Citizens Committee for People with Disabilities; Writing Team, Task Force on Community Access and Equity; Co-Chair Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair Gloria Fallick, Councillor Pam McConnell, Shaheen Ali, Dennis Fong, Sonja Greckol, Khan Rahi, Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21, 1998)

The Task Force on July 16, 1998, had before it a joint report (July 9, 1998), from the Chief Administrative Officer and the Executive Director of Human Resources, headed "Preliminary Report of International Municipal Access and Equity Practices", summarizing the basic case for action as to why so many municipalities in many different jurisdictions are advancing their access and equity work on a broad front; forwarding a preliminary review of some of the trends and practices as outlined in the document (July, 1998) titled "Municipal Access and Equity Initiatives - A Preliminary Survey of the Experiences of Other Cities", prepared by the Access and Equity Centre; and recommending that this report be received for information.

On motion by Carol Riback, the Task Force referred the aforementioned joint report and document dated July, 1998 titled "Municipal Access and Equity Initiatives - A Preliminary Survey of the Experiences of Other Cities", to the Writing Team of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity, for its consideration when preparing the draft report.

(Sent to: Chief Administrative Officer; Executive Director, Human Resources Writing Team; Task Force on Community Access and Equity - Co-Chair Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair Gloria Fallick; Councillor Pam McConnell, Shaheen Ali; Dennis Fong; Sonja Greckol; Khan Rahi; Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21, 1998)

The Task Force on Community Access and Equity on July 16, 1998 had before it the reports from the consultation meetings held by the following Sub-Groups:

1. Departmental:

Community and Neighbourhood Services
Corporate Services
Economic Development, Culture and Recreation Services
Finance Department
Urban Development Services
Works and Emergency Services

2. Staff:

from - North York Committee on Community, Race and Ethnic Relations
Etobicoke Parks and Recreation
Toronto Fire Services
Culture Division, Metro Hall
Scarborough Parks and Recreation
Information Technology, Scarborough
Access and Equity Centre
Equal Opportunity Program
Ambulance Services
Planning
Community Services
Human Resources
Social Services
Works and Emergency Services

3. Disability Community;

4. Ethno-Racial Community;

5. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community;

6. Immigration - Refugee Community;

7. Women

8. Aboriginal Community

The Task Force also had before it a communication dated June 15, 1998 from Hazel Webb, Chair, Etobicoke Multicultural and Race Relations Committee, advising that the Etobicoke Multicultural and Race Relations Committee, at its meeting on June 9, 1998, reviewed the schedule of Task Force consultations and noted that a large number of the sessions are being held in downtown Toronto; expressing dissatisfaction that Etobicoke has been overlooked for sessions on Ethno-Racial Issues and Immigration and Refugee Issues; and further advising that given the diverse cultural mix of Etobicoke's population and the constant influx of new immigrants and refugees into this community, at least one consultation session on ethno-racial and immigration issues should take place in Etobicoke; and concluding that perhaps the exclusion of Etobicoke in the schedule is an oversight due to the fact that Etobicoke has no representative on the Task Force.

A representative from each sub-group, referred to above, presented a brief verbal report on the results of the consultations held by their respective sub-group.

The Task Force identified the following groups that were not referred to in the discussion paper or represented during the consultation process:

- poverty; - homeless; and - faith.

A. Sylvia Maracle moved that the Task Force:

(1) establish a Writing Team comprised of the following Task Force Members:

- Councillor Pam McConnell;
- Shaheen Ali;
- Dennis Fong;
- Sonja Greckol;
- Khan Rahi;
- Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues;

and facilitated by Co-Chairs Councillor Joe Mihevc and Gloria Fallick; and

(2) schedule the first Writing Team all-day workshop for Sunday, August 9, 1998, at a location to be determined by appropriate Access and Equity staff.

B. Shaneen Ali moved that the Task Force:

(1) refer the reports from the Sub-Groups to the Writing Team of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity, for its consideration when preparing the draft report; and

(2) receive the communication dated June 15, 1998 from Hazel Webb, Chair, Etobicoke Multicultural and Race Relations Committee.

C. Sonja Greckol moved that the appropriate Access and Equity staff:

(1) begin organizing and developing a schedule of times and locations for the second phase of consultations; and

(2) obtain locations for the consultations city-wide taking into consideration the comment that only two of the first-phase consultations were held west of Spadina Avenue.

D. Carole Riback moved that the appropriate Access and Equity Staff:

(1) inform Hazel Webb, Chair of the Etobicoke Multicultural and Race Relations Committee, of the schedule of consultations to take place in Etobicoke during the second phase of consultations; and

(2) investigate the feasibility of using community-based media to promote the dates and locations of the second phase of consultations.

Upon the question of the adoption of the foregoing motion A. by Sylvia Maracle, it was carried.

Upon the question of the adoption of the foregoing motion B. by Shaheen Ali, it was carried.

Upon the question of the adoption of the foregoing motion C. by Sonja Greckol, it was carried.

Upon the question of the adoption of the foregoing motion D. by Carole Riback, it was carried.

(Sent to: Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre; Writing Team, Task Force on Community Access and Equity - Co-Chair Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair Gloria Fallick, Councillor Pam McConnell, Shaheen Ali, Dennis Fong, Sonja Greckol, Khan Rahi, Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues; Hazel Webb, Chair, Etobicoke Multicultural and Race Relations Committee; c. Chief Administrative Officer)

The Task Force had before it a joint report (June 1, 1998) from the Chief Administrative Officer and the Executive Director of Human Resources, providing an overview of the issues raised during the Urban Aboriginal Economic Development Seminar; and recommending that:

(i) the implementation strategy outlined in Appendix "A" of the report be adopted;

(ii) the City departments and special purpose bodies identified in the implementation strategy report their response through their standing committees to the Task Force on Community Access and Equity and to the Aboriginal Business Planning Group;

(iii) the Minister for Indian Affairs and Northern Development be invited to meet with the Task Force to discuss opportunities for collaboration and partnership between the Federal Government, the City of Toronto and the Aboriginal Community within Toronto; and

(iv) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

The Task Force also had before it a document titled "Urban Aboriginal Economic Development - Report of Seminar", a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk.

On motion by Kenn Richard, the Task Force:

(1) recommended to the Economic Development Committee, and the Corporate Services Committee, the adoption of the implementation strategy embodied in Appendix "A" of the aforementioned joint report from the Chief Administrative Officer and the Executive Director of Human Resources;

(2) requested the City departments and special purpose bodies identified in the implementation strategy to report their response through their standing committees to the Task Force on Community Access and Equity and to the Aboriginal Business Planning Group;

(3) requested the appropriate Access and Equity staff to:

(a) submit a report to the Task Force on the current practices of cities in Alberta, Australia and New Zealand and any other location that has a large aboriginal population, respecting the matters outlined in Appendix "A" of the aforementioned joint report; and

(b) arrange for the Minister for Indian Affairs and Northern Development to meet with the Task Force to discuss opportunities for collaboration and partnership between the Federal Government, the City of Toronto and the Aboriginal Community within Toronto.

(Sent to: Chief Administrative Officer; Executive Director of Human Resources; Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; Commissioner of Corporate Services; Canadian Youth Business Foundation; Miziwe Biik, Aboriginal Employment and Training; Economic Development Committee; Corporate Services Committee; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21, 1998)

The Task Force had before it a communication (June 8, 1998) from the City Clerk advising that City Council at its meeting held on June 3, 4 and 5, 1998, struck out and referred Clause No. 6 embodied in Report No. 9 of The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, headed "Harmonization of User Fees for Recreation Programs", together with all rendered motions, to the User Fee Committee with the request that the User Fee Committee meet as soon as possible to determine how to proceed.

On motion by Sonja Greckol, the Task Force recommended that the Access and Equity Centre be consulted when the User Fee Committee is developing the project for the harmonization of user fees for recreation programs, to ensure that the process is equitable and appropriate for all areas of Toronto.

(Sent to: Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre; User Fee Committee; c. Chief Administrative Officer - July 21, 1998)

The Task Force had before it a communication (July 13, 1998) from Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity, headed "Concerns regarding Employment Equity and Access and Equity Resources"; respecting the potential for negative impact of the City's downsizing and restructuring on employment equity designated groups and full-time Access and Equity staff; and recommending that:

(a) that the Task Force on Community Access and Equity, through its Co-Chairs, express its concerns on the above matters to the Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Executive Director of Human Resources and the Amalgamation Office, encouraging them to take speedy and appropriate action regarding these concerns;

(b) that the Task Force on Community Access and Equity recommend to the Corporate Services Committee at its next meeting on July 20, 1998, the following:

(i) that the process for job competitions for remaining senior management, middle management and supervisory staff be monitored by the City's human rights staff to ensure compliance with access and equity goals and objectives;

(ii) that departments undertake to develop downsizing plans with specific access and equity goals to be reported on to the Corporate Services Committee for review before implementation;

(c) that the Special Committee to Review the Final Report of the Toronto Transition Team recommend to Council that:

(i) all of the City's Access and Equity staff report on an interim basis to the Chief Administrative Officer until the Task Force has completed its work; and

(ii) there be no reduction of access and equity resources until such time as the Task Force on Community Access and Equity has completed its work.

On motion by Sylvia Maracle, the Task Force:

(1) directed that its concerns on the above matters be expressed to the Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Executive Director of Human Resources and the Amalgamation Office, and that they be encouraged to take speedy and appropriate action regarding these concerns.

(2) recommended to the Corporate Services Committee and Council that:

(a) the process for job competitions for remaining senior management, middle management and supervisory staff be monitored by the City's human rights staff to ensure compliance with access and equity goals and objectives; and

(b) departments be requested to develop downsizing plans with specific access and equity goals to be reported on to the Corporate Services Committee for review before implementation;

(3) recommended to the Special Committee to Review the Final Report of the Toronto Transition Team and Council that:

(a) all of the City's access and equity staff report on an interim basis to the Chief Administrative Officer until the Task Force on Community Access and Equity has completed its work; and

(b) there be no reduction of access and equity resources until such time as the Task Force has completed its work.

(Sent to: Corporate Services Committee; Special Committee to Review the Final Report of the Toronto Transition Team; Mayor Mel Lastman; Chief Administrative Officer; Commissioner of Corporate Services; Executive Director of Human Resources; Councillor Joe Mihevc, Co-Chair, Task Force on Community Access and Equity; Gloria Fallick, Co-Chair, Task Force on Community Access and Equity; Sylvia Maracle, Co-Chair, Task Force on Community Access and Equity; c. Charles Smith, Access and Equity Centre - July 21, 1998)

The Task Force on Community Access and Equity adjourned its meeting at 12:45 p.m.

[Original signed by the chair.]

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