Council approves anti-racism policy; underlining commitment to fundamental rights for all

Policy supported by community standards bylaw addressing harassment

Council approved a new organizational policy to support anti-racism within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The Anti-Racism Policy outlines the Municipality’s expectations and standards of behaviour for a more inclusive, respectful, safe and prosperous environment.

This policy reflects a key commitment in Council’s Strategic Plan to "Building Partnerships," which includes establishing both an anti-racism policy and bylaw to promote equity and justice for all residents.

“As a region, we always need to strive to do better – because we can set an example as a place of tremendous cultural opportunity. We are truly fortunate to have so many great people from different backgrounds living here, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure everyone is free to be themselves without racism, discrimination or harassment,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman.

By implementing this policy, the Municipality commits to:

• Upholding the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals.
• Ensuring work sites and service delivery areas are free from racism, discrimination and hatred.
• Preventing incidents from taking place through information, education and early identification and by fostering an organizational culture that focuses on building relationships rather than punitive measures.
• Fostering a working environment that aligns with the Alberta Human Rights Act.

The policy applies to all employees, elected officials, contractors and Council-appointed committee members.

Created with input from the community

This policy reflects valuable community insights and voices. The Regional Advisory Committee on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality (RACIDE) formed a working group to engage residents and conducted an anti-racism study to inform its development. Youth voices also played a key role—through summer sessions led by the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth (MACOY).

Backed by the Community Standards Bylaw

Council has also taken steps to address harassment through the recent update to the Community Standards Bylaw on Oct. 8. The bylaw now includes language around harassment reinforcing that the Municipality will not tolerate any form of harassment in public spaces.

Learn more at rmwb.ca/CommunityStandards.

What’s next?

In addition to implementing the Anti-Racism Policy, the Municipality is committed to:

• Creating educational strategies to promote the protection of human rights.
• Reviewing administrative procedures and processes through the lens of equity and inclusion.Implementing anti-racism training to staff.
• Acknowledging the harms caused by racism.