GENERAL COMMITTEE

That the presentation by Georgina Lee, entitled “Moving Forward 2015 Foundation” be received.

1) That the Minutes of the January 24, 2011 General Committee be confirmed.

1) That the Minutes of the November 17, 2010 and December 15, 2010 Animal Care Committee be received for information purposes.

1) That the Minutes of the January 10, 2011 Budget Sub-Committee be received for information purposes.

1) That the Minutes of the December 13, 2010 Public Library Board be received for information purposes.

1) That the Minutes of the January 10, 2011 Race Relations Committee be received for information purposes.

1) That the Minutes of the December 13, 2010 Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham be received for information purposes.

Cycling & Pedestrian Advisory Committee 1) That the resignation of Councillor Logan Kanapathi from the Cycling & Pedestrian Advisory Committee be received.

1) That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of November 2010” be received; and, 2) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

1) That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of December 2010” be received; and, 2) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

1) That the report entitled “Accessibility & Diversity Objectives for the 2010 Municipal Election” be received for information purposes; and, 2) That the feedback obtained during the 2010 Municipal Election with respect to accessibility be considered by the Returning Officer when planning future electoral events in Markham.

1) That the report dated February 2, 2011 entitled “2011 Water/Wastewater Rate Increase” be received; and, 2) That the Minutes of the Public Meeting held on February 1, 2011, with respect to the proposed 2011 Water/Wastewater Rate Increase be received; and, 3) That the 2011 Town of Markham’s (“Town”) Water/Wastewater rate increase be equivalent to the Region of York’s (“Region”) monetary increase of $0.1352 per cubic metre (m 3 ) based on Region’s estimated increase of 10%; and, 4) That in addition to the Region’s increase, the 2011 Water/Wastewater rate increase includes a surcharge of $0.0683/m 3 ; and, 5) That effective April 1, 2011, the 2011 W ater/ W astewater rate will be $2.4164 / m 3 , an increase of $0.2035/m 3 ; and further, 6) That Staff be authorized and directed to do things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

That the following resolution be received: Whereas the November 2010 university ranking edition of Maclean’s magazine featured an article titled “Too Asian?”, the article as well as the title itself, could only be described as offensive, divisive and intolerant; and, Whereas, the article racially profiles and stereotypes Asian Canadians as perpetual foreigners in Canada , suggesting that students of Asian heritage may be limiting opportunities for non-Asians at certain Canadian universities; and, Whereas, Markham is the most culturally diverse community in Canada; and, Whereas, Markham and the rest of Canada benefits from cultural diversity and have shared in the rich cultural traditions of people of Asian heritage for many years; and, Whereas, Town of Markham is a member of the Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination; and, Whereas, this council supports Multiculturalism and Diversity and has just launched its leading edge Diversity Action Plan last July to serve as the basis of a ten-year strategy to promote unity and inclusiveness; and, Whereas, numerous community organizations have called upon Maclean's to issue an unqualified apology for the negative stereotyping of people of Asian descent who form the largest ethnic group within the Town’s population; and, Whereas, the city councils of Toronto, Victoria and Vancouver have already passed motions to express their concern for the negative impact of this article and Richmond Hill Town Council is also pr

Whereas Markham is the most culturally diverse community in Canada; and, Whereas Markham, while promoting a common goal to make our community a harmonious place to work and live for everyone, stands proudly in its commitment to the inclusion and integration of all communities and the appreciation of differences; and, Whereas Markham is striving to promote unity and understanding and recognizes that discrimination against any group is a disservice to all; and, Whereas Markham is home to two Welcome Centres that work actively to assist newcomers in making Markham their home and contributing to Canadian society; and, Whereas Markham is recognized as a leader in diversity and in 2010 launched its leading edge Diversity Action Plan titled “Everyone Welcome” which serves as the basis of a ten-year strategy to further promote unity and inclusiveness; and, Whereas Markham has proudly declared its commitment to the removal of barriers and the promotion of the value of diversity by joining, along with more than 35 other Canadian municipalities, the Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination (CMARD); and, Whereas Markham takes seriously its membership in CMARD and the further commitment to share with the community the responsibility for respecting and promoting Human Rights and diversity; and, Whereas Markham takes immense pride in engaging its vibrant communities through year round celebrations, proclamations and flag raisings that reflect its rich history and divers

1) That the following Communications regarding the Maclean’s Magazine “Too Asian” Article be received: - Danielle Sandhu, Vice-President Equity, University of Toronto Students’ Union - Colleen Hua, National President, Chinese Canadian National Council - Gordon Pon, Assistant Professor, Ryerson University - Brad Lee, Administrator, Too Asian? TALK BACK