This past Friday, the Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario passed a resolution, uniting us in standing against anti-Black racism, discrimination and intolerance in all its forms and confirming our commitment to working together to take meaningful, intentional action to remove barriers to inclusion in all our cities.

As a member of that Caucus, as the Mayor of Richmond Hill and as a person – I believe in this resolution.

Each and every one of us has the power to make a difference. To take action against the injustice we see in our lives and the lives of those around us. To listen. To learn. And to inspire change.

Richmond Hill is a welcoming, inclusive community. We proudly celebrate our diverse population and staff as a source of strength and vitality. Yet racism and discrimination still exist within our boundaries and we have much work to do. Richmond Hill must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.

Our community is strong and we have seen what great things we can accomplish when we unite toward a common goal. As part of our endorsement of the York Region Inclusion Charter, we joined with our neighbours in a goal to achieve our vision of a community where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.

I stand in solidarity with our staff, our residents, our families, neighbours, friends and all those who have suffered at the hands and words of intolerance.

Mayor Dave Barrow