Time for results when it comes to ending racism, Timmins speaker tells crowd
On Friday, Northern College hosted the first of a series of talks and workshops focused on making the community more equitable, diverse and inclusive.
The college invited Alex Ihama, a bestselling author and diversity consultant, to speak about discrimination and racism, and how to address those issues in the workplace and society.
Ihama, the executive director of a group that helps eliminate racism and discrimination in workplaces across the country, spoke about how leaders in Timmins can do the same.
He said people are aware of the issues, having done hundreds of these talks. He said it’s time for results.
“We now need to start empowering people with the tips, tools and techniques to translate that awareness into action,” Ihama said.
“Timmins is not absolved from this.”
Ihama made that clear in his presentation, highlighting articles on the city’s history of racism and the prevalence of racial discrimination.
Northern College is one of five national hubs tasked with boosting equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives — particularly the “50-30 challenge” of having 50 per cent of high-level positions occupied by women and 30 per cent by marginalized groups.
“We want to continue to be that beacon of light and hope and start to really make a difference in how folks think about difference and how they unpack those biases that people may hold and not even be conscious of,” said Northern College’s Susan Hunter.
The college received federal funding both to hold events and to hire diversity consultants — one of whom said incidents of racism against immigrants in a town with a dwindling population have made the initiative all the more crucial.
“It’s impeding the growth -- the economic growth -- of the city,” said diversity consultant Everard Kasimanwuna.
“You know, it’s impeding … the growth of influx of immigrants to the city. It’s stopping them from having places to work.”
“If Timmins does not attract immigration into this town, it will not be around for long,” Ihama added.
He said the way forward is to have the people who were in the room with him make an impact in their organizations.
“They are poised, they are passionate, they are powerful and with that potential, they will—not can, not may—I know they will make changes in their workplaces,” Ihama said.
Northern College is hoping to drive that message home and help make lasting change, aiming to hold monthly talks and workshops over the next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.