Chatham-Kent is looking to become a more inclusive community.
Rebecca Haskell-Thomas, who works with Public Health, is taking on the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator as of November 1st.
“When we talk about diversity, we’re talking about the way that people might be different from one another and certainly we know we have a diverse community in Chatham-Kent,” Haskell-Thomas says. “This position is about recognizing the diversity that exists in Chatham-Kent, and making sure the decisions we’re making, the policies we’re developing, and the services we’re offering are reflective of that diversity and are giving everyone the opportunity to contribute to our community in meaningful ways.”
Rebecca Haskell-Thomas will be building on the work already underway, including diversity, equity, and inclusion training for the municipality’s executive team, and similar training in the works for council members as well.
“There’s an anti-racism taskforce already in our Community Human Services department, I know that some of the Human Resources Occupational Development department has already started looking at some of their policies, so there really is some conversations already happening and work already happening that I think we’ve got a good ground to start from.”
Over the next 24 months, Haskell-Thomas will be working with staff and community partners to ensure everyone in Chatham-Kent has access to opportunities for prosperity and wellbeing, and feel a sense of belonging in the community.
Listen to the full interview here: