Winnipeg, MB - A motion recommending appointments to the newly created Human Rights Committee of Council as well as other City of Winnipeg boards and commissions was adopted at this morning’s Executive Policy Committee (EPC) and submitted for Council’s consideration later this month, Mayor Brian Bowman announced today.
“Volunteering for appointment to one of Winnipeg’s many different boards can be a great way to give back and provide leadership in our city,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “I am pleased to have brought these recommendations forward for Council’s consideration later this month.”
The City Clerk’s Department is responsible for initiating and managing an annual selection process to fill citizen member positions to the City of Winnipeg’s many different boards and commissions for which there are existing or imminent vacancies.
Appointments adopted today by Executive Policy Committee include membership to the first Human Rights Committee ever created by Council following its adoption last year. Creating a Human Rights Committee of Council was a key commitment of Mayor Bowman’s to help focus and prioritize the city’s work on human rights.
This newly created committee consolidates the important work previously undertaken by the Citizen Equity Committee, the Access Advisory Committee, and the Mayor’s Age Friendly Seniors Advisory Committee to focus on human rights, diversity, equity, peace, and inclusion.
The appointments recommended to Executive Policy Committee and subsequently adopted were selected by a volunteer committee. All appointments still require Council approval.
Appointments to the City of Winnipeg’s first Human Rights Committee of Council that were adopted by Executive Policy Committee today for Council’s consideration include:
- Marilyn Dykstra
- Idris Elbakri
- Jackie Gruber
- Jaron Hart
- Kristi Kenyon
- Stuart Murray
- Aly Raposo
- Karuna (Andi) Sharma
- Ran Ukashi
- Al Wiebe
The Mayor said creating the Human Rights Committee of Council was an important part of the ongoing work to promote, build, and align Winnipeg as an international leader for human rights. The Mayor said that it also supports the significant work and progress made through the city’s Journey of Reconciliation.
“Our city has very distinct human rights assets I believe can make Winnipeg an international leader in the promotion, protection, and education of human rights,” said Mayor Bowman. “And, I strongly believe in our city’s ability to lead in a spirit of honesty and to push with urgency and humility, and that we can be an international force in helping mend some of the profound hurts and injustices of the past.”
Council previously appointed Deputy Mayor and Councillor Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River) to the Human Rights Committee. Mayor Bowman will serve as the committee’s chair pursuant to the committee’s terms of reference approved by Council.
A complete listing of all appointments adopted by Executive Policy Committee and recommended for Council’s consideration can be found on the City of Winnipeg’s Decision Making Information System (DMIS).