Town of Arnprior Council entertained a delegation arising from recent discussions on Racism in the Ottawa Valley, and the municipality’s plan to come to grips with its impacts in the Town Where the Rivers Meet on Monday (January 11th).
Katie Ryan-Perfitt introduced Ro Nwosu who did the heavy lifting in apprising elected representatives of their roles and duties within the community, and the reality of the level of BIPOC acceptance in Town.
Nwosu says the Arnprior area is served by over 15 BIPOC businesses and services, but that diversity is neither reflected at the Council table nor on the municipal payroll.
In the absence of BIPOC or LGTBQ-S-plus persons on Council or staff she believes upcoming diversity training should be delivered by BIPOC educators and that a BIPOC and Diversity Advocacy Committee of Council be created.
Ro Nwosu was featured in the original CBC expose which aired beginning in late November.
Mayor Walter Stack says he recognizes his obligation to address the issues raised on behalf of everyone in town, and he plans to undertake that initiative shortly.
At Council’s subsequent meeting in January it will assess a list of resources gleaned and plot a strategy to build bridges along the pathway forward.
