A recent decision from Pembroke’s new Mayor Ron Gervais to not continue with the Diversity Action Committee has shocked and disappointed many in the community.
Duane Aucoin, a former member of Pembroke’s Diversity Committee, says Gervais sat on the diversity committee and told members earlier this year that he didn’t see a reason why the committee wouldn’t continue with the new term of council.
Reading some of the online comments from people in the community, Aucoin is concerned and feels unsafe, but at the same time is encouraged by all the support they’ve received.
Aucoin wants to see some of the new city councillors have a say in the future of the committee and is open to the possibility of changing the structure of the diversity committee.
Jill Holroyd, the Chapter Lead for Pflag Renfrew County says it’s extremely disappointing and surprising to see the diversity committee folded after all the work they’ve done in the past couple of years.
Holroyd has heard from several people who have said the decision to not continue with the diversity committee is making them feel less safe.
Holroyd says Pembroke was a leader and one of the first in the area to create a diversity committee adding it was an inspiring way to get voices around the council table that aren’t normally heard.
The diversity committee was started after an 80-year-old grandmother in Pembroke was the victim of what was called a racially motivated attack. Former Pembroke Mayor Mike LeMay created a Mayor’s Diversity Roundtable which led to the creation of a Diversity Advisory Committee early in 2021.
myFM reached out to Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais who says a recent statement accurately reflects what he’s trying to accomplish regarding a number of committees.
Less than one week after being sworn in as Mayor for the City of Pembroke, Gervais made the decision to not continue with the Diversity Advisory Committee, the Seniors Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee. In a press release issued by the city, Gervais says the Climate Action Advisory Committee will be reworked into the Keeping Pembroke Beautiful Committee.
Gervais says City Staff and Council will review a Diversity Action Plan and complete comprehensive master plans for recreation and seniors issues. Gervais says while the Diversity Advisory Committee will not continue, the public is always welcome to bring forward ideas on how Council can support the community’s continued journey towards increased diversity and inclusiveness.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)
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