By Sheldon Spackman

Welcoming And Inclusive

Innisfail council approves anti-racism policy

Jul 28, 2020 | 3:07 PM

The Town of Innisfail has taken a step towards showing its commitment to an environment free of racial discrimination and racism.

On Monday, council unanimously approved an Anti-Racial Discrimination & Anti-Racism Policy on the heels of a proclamation made during a special meeting of council on June 8.

Town officials say administration had received feedback from several citizens regarding some of their experiences living in lnnisfail and that the new policy was then reviewed during a special engagement with some who’ve been impacted by racism and discrimination in the community.

Ken Kowalchuk, Communications Coordinator with the Town of Innisfail, says they are now dedicated to implementing policies and procedures to help overcome any issues of racism or discrimination.

“The Town is committed to creating a culture that fosters and promotes an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment for all,” he explains. “The Town of Innisfail also acknowledges its role in protecting everyone’s right to be free from racial discrimination.”

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The new policy will outline the responsibilities of council, management and employees.

Kowalchuk notes several staff has been involved in the policy’s review process so far, and now a more thorough review is planned involving all of Town staff.

“The events of the last few months have just brought more of these issues to light and it’s just made people more aware of them,” says Kowalchuk. “We just want to ensure that we promote an inclusive community. There is an actual community-based group that has taken some initiative as well – the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee. At Monday’s (council) meeting, we actually supported that committee and look forward to having more of that activity in the community.”

Innisfail was pulled into the national spotlight when an anti-racism rally planned for the town was cancelled due to a wave of online backlash against it. The event eventually went ahead on June 13 with more than 300 people attending.