On Friday, June 27 the City of Sault Ste. Marie officially became a member of the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities against Racism and Discrimination (CCMARD).
The signing ceremony involved several guest speakers, including Meghan Brooks, a Program Officer with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
“In joining with the 61 other CCMARD member municipalities, the City of Sault Ste. Marie has taken an important step in declaring the unjust nature of discrimination and the importance of mobilizing to make change,” says Brooks.
The ceremony included the unveiling of a plaque to mark the City’s new membership, as well as the planting of a mulberry tree to symbolize the community’s commitment to a racism-free Sault Ste. Marie.
“Diversity is not new in the Sault – it’s a part of who we are. By joining this coalition, we are defending our community from bigotry – this is a step in the right direction,” says Ward 6 Councillor Joe Krmpotich.
To learn more about CCMARD, visit http://unesco.ca/en/home-accueil/ccmard-ccmcrd
Asima Vezina (Algoma District School Board/Racial Harmony Committee Chair)
Joe Krmpotich (Ward 6 City Councillor/United Steelworkers)
Robert Totime (Newcomer from Ghana/Resource Specialist from New to the Sault/The Sault Community Career Centre)
Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad (Baawaating Family Health Team)
Meghan Brooks (UNESCO)
