Racial and Ethno-Cultural Equity Advisory Committee

Terms of reference

Policy advice

The committee:

• Provides input to City Council and staff about issues of concern;
• Considers any matters which may be referred to the committee by Council or staff; 
• May take positions on policy initiatives from other levels of government within the mandate of the committee
• Reviews and advises Council and staff on the development, implementation and assessment of City policies and services related to strengthening ethno-cultural engagement, addressing racism and racial inequities and promoting racial justice and equity in the City;
• Supports and advises on cultural celebrations and events in the City;
• Works with Council and staff to identify and research issues, and advocate on behalf of residents to remove barriers to City services and enhance participation in civic life for racial minorities communities; and
• Meaningfully engages with Council, staff, residents and other organizations as appropriate to advance Racial and Ethno-Cultural Equity in the City.

Collaboration

The committee:

• Works cooperatively with other advisory bodies as appropriate;
• Acts as a resource for staff in public engagement processes and / or civic events; and
• Exchanges information with the public on issues of interest.

Awareness and outreach

The committee:

• Exchanges information with the constituent communities and the general public about relevant programs and issues of interest
• Engages in outreach to disseminate information and encourage participation from constituent communities

Planning and reporting

The committee:

• Produces an annual work plan with specific objectives by no later than April of each year, in consultation with Council and staff liaisons, for distribution to Council and civic departments for information;
• Presents accomplishments and progress to date at the annual Council of Councils event; and
• Submits an annual report to Council describing its accomplishments for the year, including reference to each objective set out in the work plan and any arising issues to which the committee has responded

Meeting frequency

The committee meets six times a year and does not meet in August. Generally, the committee meets once a month on a Thursday at 5:30 pm at City Hall.

Time commitment

Outside of regular meetings, one to two additional hours a month is spent on email and other correspondence, meetings, research and networking. Preparation time for all meetings is required.

Attendance requirement

A member who is absent from more than two consecutive formal meetings without a leave of absence is deemed to have resigned.

Membership

• Stephanie Ameyaw
• Gurleen Cheema
• Lerato Chondoma
• Danielle George
• Ritu Gill
• Alexandra Gunn
• Steph Kallstrom
• Juggy Sihota
• Isaac Tomas
• Austin Uzama
• Dinushi Wickrama Arachchi
• Kamika Williams
• Mohammed Zaqout

Liaisons​

• Council Liaison: Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung
• Park Board Liaison: Vacant
• School Board Liaison: Trustee Allan Wong 
• City Staff Liaison: Mumbi Maina, Social Policy
• City Staff Liaison: April Sumter-Freitag, Social Policy 
• Park Board Staff Liaison: Marie Lopes, Recreation Services Coordinator, Roundhouse Community Centre 

Terms and Membership Composition

Persons appointed to an advisory body shall meet the following essential criteria:

Not be employed by the City of Vancouver;
Live or work in Vancouver, or have a significant body of experience with issues in Vancouver; and
Be able to demonstrate relevant experience or knowledge, abilities and skills related to the mandate of the advisory body.

Persons appointed to the Racial and Ethno-Cultural Equity Advisory Committee shall meet the following additional criteria:

Be a member of visible or cultural minority groups.

Composition:

15 members of the public (8 is quorum)
1 non-voting Council liaison
1 non-voting Park Board Commissioner liaison
1 non-voting School Trustee liaison
2 non-voting staff liaisons

The appointment of civic members to each advisory committee shall meet the composition objectives set out in the Diversity on Advisory Bodies policy.

Length of term:

Committee members are appointed until November 6, 2022.
No member of the public shall serve for more than four consecutive years on the same advisory body. A former member is eligible for reappointment after one year out of office.

In addition to the regular meetings listed here, the Committee also meets several times per year for informal working sessions. Please contact the Meeting Coordinator for more information.

The meetings listed below are open to the public. 

2022 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2021 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2020 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2019 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2018 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2017 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2016 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2015 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2014 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2013 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2012 meetings, agendas, and minutes

September 22, 2022

The Racial and Ethno-Cultural Equity Advisory Committee writes a letter to City Council regarding Anti-Black Racism.

Read the Letter PDF file (302 KB)

April 26, 2022

The City of Vancouver Racial and Ethno-Cultural Equity Advisory Committee writes letter of support for Van Black Library to Mayor and Council and VPL.

Read the letter of support PDF file (321 KB)

June 8, 2020

The City of Vancouver Racial and Ethno-Cultural Equity Advisory Committee calls for Race-based health data collection in British Columbia.

Read the news release PDF file (342 KB)

October 19, 2018

On October 19, 2018, the CCAC released their Spaces Report as well as a Final Report, upon the completion of their term.

• View the Spaces Report PDF file (1 MB)
• View the Final Report PDF file (5 MB)

2017 in review

An overview of the committee's 2017 accomplishments and future goals as presented at the Council of Council's on October 12, 2017.

• View the poster PDF file (265 KB)

August 28, 2017

On August 28, 2017 the CCAC released a statement condemning the recent rise in anti-immigrant, anti-Semitic, and Islamophobic protests, violence, and vitriol.

• Read the statement PDF file (299 KB)

2017-2018 work plan

The 2017-2018 Work Plan summarizes the high priority objectives for the committee term and establishes an action plan to achieve those objectives.

• View the Work Plan PDF file (108 KB)

2016 in review

An overview of the committee's 2016 accomplishments and future goals as presented at the Council of Council's on November 9, 2016.

• View the poster PDF file (402 KB)

2012-2014 term in review

An overview of the committee's closing term accomplishments and recommendations for continuation of the work was presented at the Council of Council's December 2014.

• View the committee's presentation PDF file (208 KB)