(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard

“Hate does exist in Red Deer”

City united with community in fight against racism

Jun 15, 2020 | 5:30 PM

The City of Red Deer says it wants to “be part of the voice of change” in the fight against racism in our city and around the world.

On Monday, The City posted a statement to its website to express solidarity with those in Red Deer, central Alberta and around the world who continue to experience racism and racial discrimination.”

“The City of Red Deer has a vision to be a vibrant, healthy and diverse organization that supports a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels safe and can fully participate in community life. We view diversity as a human strength and are committed to an ongoing strategy of inclusion,” the statement reads.

In order for them to meet this commitment, The City of Red Deer says they need the support of residents by providing an environment that fosters this vision.

“We need to identify and address barriers to participation and be skilled at working in an inclusive and respectful manner with each other and the community.”

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The City of Red Deer says its priority to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion is evidenced by its signing on to The Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities in 2013 and the establishment of the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network in late 2015. The City also cites the creation and support of an internal Diversity Team and Employee Resource Groups for our LGBTQ2S+, Spirit Circle and Newcomers employees, all-staff training on diversity and inclusion and hosting the 2016 Fostering Diverse Communities Conference as further examples.

“But we know that’s not enough. Hate does exist in Red Deer and the entire community is needed to stop it,” the statement continues. “Many people are unwilling to accept that racism exists in our area – if they don’t acknowledge that there is a problem, then it is impossible to make efforts to change. We all need to be allies. And we, at The City of Red Deer, commit to be allies to our community and to our employees. We are listening. We are learning.”

The full statement can be read here.