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Achieving for Delta releases diversity plan

Over the last four weeks, the Achieving for Delta team released their Parks Capital Plan, Public Safety Plan Fiscal Plan and Livability Plan.
AFD Team
The Achieving for Delta team of candidates for council and school board.

Mayor George Harvie’s Achieving for Delta team has committed to leading with equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure that Delta is a community where everyone feels welcome and celebrated.

“We need a council that not only listens to the people but is reflective of the people that it represents,” said council candidate Jennifer Johal in a news release. “It’s time to finally elect councillors that reflect that diversity of our community.

“Delta is proudly home to one of the most diverse populations in the Lower Mainland, across age, race, religion, identity, culture and abilities. This diversity is what makes us strong and contributes to our reputation as one of the best cities in Canada to live, work and raise a family.”

According to the news release, since 2018, Harvie and the Achieving for Delta team have taken action to build a fair and inclusive Delta by undertaking initiatives that have led to positive change.

Harvie established Delta’s first task force on diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, designed to review Delta’s policies and facilitate collaboration between council and members of the community to find meaningful and tangible ways to take action and affect change. There is still more to achieve to ensure that all residents across Delta are treated fairly and equally. The Achieving for Delta team will continue to prioritize:

• Building an inclusive Delta for everyone. We are committed to continuing to champion initiatives that make Delta a welcoming place for everyone. Visible reminders of diversity within a community are important to support the development of a welcoming and inclusive city. Harvie and Achieving for Delta championed the raising for the Pride flag each June during Pride Month for the first time in Delta’s history and endorsed grant requests to local community groups supporting LGBTQ+ residents. 

• Working together towards meaningful reconciliation. We are committed to continuing to nurture strong relationships with First Nations neighbours through partnerships and joint initiatives. We will continue to engage with Indigenous leaders, peoples and communities to work towards meaningful reconciliation.

 • Cultural recognition and celebration. We will continue to champion initiatives that support and promote diversity and anti-racism, including implementing the #DifferentTogether pledge, recognizing cultural events, installations and promoting awareness of various organizations, special days and causes, and providing financial support to local non-profit organizations that work on diversity issues in our community. 

• Achieving a more accessible Delta. We established Delta's first Mobility and Accessibility Committee to provide council advice on improving existing infrastructure to enhance access and mobility and the creation of programs to meet the needs of people with disabilities. We will continue to make upgrades to our facilities and community infrastructure to make Delta more accessible to people of all abilities.  As part of its inclusivity platform, the Achieving for Delta team is also committed to supporting local non-profit organizations that help Delta’s most vulnerable residents. 

“This year, I put forward a motion to work with community partners to deploy an emergency food bank in North Delta,” said Harvie. “Our community groups must not be left to meet this need alone. We are committed to getting this done to ensure that no child is going to school hungry.”

Over the last four weeks, the Achieving for Delta team released their Parks Capital Plan, Public Safety Plan Fiscal Plan and Livability Plan.