Calgary Council Moves to Codify Anti-Racism Committee’s Role

Calgary has taken a significant step in its fight against systemic racism by advancing a new bylaw to formalize the city’s Anti-Racism Action Committee. On Friday, the Community Development Committee voted overwhelmingly, with a tally of 10-1, to transform the committee’s terms of reference into a legally binding framework, pending ratification by the full city council. This move aims to align the committee with other council-appointed bodies, ensuring a more structured and effective approach to its mandate.

The Anti-Racism Action Committee was established in 2020 in response to the murder of George Floyd, which galvanized the Black Lives Matter movement globally. Floyd’s death ignited widespread protests, including in Calgary, where local demonstrations highlighted the impact of systemic racism. During a three-day public hearing that followed, over 150 residents expressed their experiences and concerns to the council, prompting the establishment of the committee. The committee, composed of 11 public volunteers, has since worked to identify barriers within city programs and services, collaborate with community partners, and advise the council on a comprehensive anti-racism strategy, which was officially endorsed in May 2023.

At the recent committee meeting, a city official clarified that the new bylaw will define the committee’s mandate, composition, responsibilities, and operational procedures. This aligns with Section 145 of the Municipal Government Act, which stipulates that council committees must be established by a bylaw. The proposed changes to the committee’s terms aim to address existing gaps, modernize its provisions, and adhere to contemporary governance best practices.

Jaspreet Sandhu, the city’s manager of community integration strategies, noted, “All changes were developed in consultation with the Anti-Racism Action Committee.” The adjustments primarily involve minor updates such as the duration of member terms, reporting frequency to the council, committee composition, and meeting allowances.

The committee’s ongoing efforts are crucial in ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard in council decisions. As Calgary continues to confront its challenges with systemic racism, the formalization of the Anti-Racism Action Committee represents a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all residents. With the anticipated ratification by the full city council, this new bylaw is set to enhance the committee’s effectiveness in promoting equity and justice across the city.