Item - 2024.CR4.2

The Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee recommends that the Economic and Community Development Committee:

1. Request the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, Social Development, Finance and Administration to invite the Ontario Human Rights Commission to present on the From Impact to Action: Final report on anti-Black racism by the Toronto Police Service, to share key findings and recommendations from the report.

2. Request the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, Social Development, Finance and Administration to invite relevant City divisions and agencies, including the Toronto Police Service and Toronto Community Housing Corporation to present their existing anti-Black racism initiatives and work to consider and adopt findings in the From Impact to Action: Final report on anti-Black racism by the Toronto Police Service.

The motion I am proposing is centered on a review of the From Impact to Action report by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC). This report critically explores anti-Black racism within the Toronto Police Service (TPS) and offers a range of recommendations aimed at addressing systemic challenges. Given the importance of these findings, I believe it would be highly beneficial for our committee to invite a representative from the OHRC to present on the recommendations enclosed in the report.

In addition to examining anti-Black racism at Toronto Police Services (TPS), this report highlights ways anti-Black racism is impacting Black Torontonians living in Toronto Community Housing (TCHC). As City agencies, it is important for the Committee to better understand anti-Black racism issues within these agencies to provide relevant recommendations and advice to City Council to enhance the experience and delivery of critical public services.

Furthermore, to understand the progress made toward advancing these recommendations, I think it is important for the Committee to receive an update directly from the City agencies identified in the report.

I believe this presentation will provide our committee with valuable insights into the progress made thus far, and highlight areas where further strategic action is needed, to continue to advance the Committee’s mandate.