Woolwich staff, future council members to undergo mandatory diversity training

Woolwichstaff and future council members will now undergo mandatory equity, diversity and inclusion training.

That motion came before council Monday night after first being raised by Coun. Patrick Merlihan on Sept. 12. At that time, it was a notice of motion and council opted not to act on it.

Merlihan's motion came after a discussion about a request for a rainbow crosswalk in Elmira during whichCoun. Murray Martin expressed his displeasure with a rainbow being usedand citeda Biblical reference as his reason. Martin thenfacedbacklash fromfellow colleagues and members of the community. He has since apologizedfor the comment.

On Monday night, Coun. Scott McMillan moved the motion about the training for council and staff and made an amendment. He said he wanted to make it more clear that councillors must take the training. He said the original motion left it too open-ended and councillors might be able to avoid the training.

"When I spoke on Sept. 12, I spoke about creating a process where council could be guided and directed by impacted communities and people," McMillan said.

Coun. Larry Shantz seconded the motion.

Merlihan, McMillan, Shantz and Coun. Fred Redekop voted in favour of the motion. Martin voted against it.

"I think it's really important that we all do the training and all the future councils do the training," Merlihan said before the vote was taken. "I'm glad to see council is moving in this direction."