In an Open Letter, Surrey resident Pauline Greaves tells  Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum to re-establish both the Diversity Advisory Committee and establish a Race Relations Accountability Committee.

Dear Editor:

Mr. Mayor;

I find your statements and actions conflicting.

On the one hand, you have stated in your message on June 18th, 2020, “that Surrey is unequivocally strengthened by our diversity”, but on the other hand you cancelled the only committee that was established to address diversity. With all due respect to the people working in Parks, Recreation and Culture, the issues facing visible minorities in Surrey cannot be addressed by a summer festival.  While I believe that celebrating our community’s cultural diversity makes us stronger, I can’t help but notice a significant lack of diversity in the voices that shape the city’s government.

I must admit to being surprised as I read the statement of Coun. Laurie Guerra, chair of the Parks Committee, in an article by Jennifer Saltman. Coun. Guerra, when asked about Surrey’s City Council dealing with issues of inclusion and diversity stated that diversity is “fully integrated” into the Parks portfolio.  I would imagine that all of Surrey’s committees and departments would ensure that their activities would meet the criteria of inclusion and support the unequivocal strength of Surrey’s diversity. Indeed, is that not what the policies, legal mandates and frameworks are intended to support?

I can’t help but shake the feeling that Coun. Guerra’s statement that diversity and inclusion have been integrated into the Parks portfolio, is acknowledging that diversity and inclusion have been relegated to the “back burner”. This is but a token gesture meant to allow you, Mr. Mayor, to say that you are doing “something”, when you are in fact doing nothing.

I am beginning to wonder if you, Mr. Mayor and your Council are aware that human rights, equity, and social justice are issues of sufficient complexity and urgency so as to place them beyond the portfolio of Parks and Recreation?  How does this action demonstrate the value of a diverse city?  While the Mayor and Councillors are talking about cultural diversity, I am talking about mechanisms to combat systemic racism and ensure a system that is equitable and fair for all of Surrey’s residents.

According to you, Mr. Mayor, “Racism, discrimination, and intolerance have no place in our city”. On this we are in firm agreement. I would now like to hear the ideas and plans on how you, as the Mayor, and Council are taking racism and discrimination seriously.  What plans are being considered to translate these sentiments into action?  Placing diversity under Parks and Recreation feels to me the same as burying systemic racism, ‘out of sight, out of mind’. Remaining silent on such serious issues is not an option.

Mr. Mayor, you have the responsibility and the obligation to engage the community in a discourse on remedies and solutions on social justice issues.  This engagement would signify an understanding of the issues being experienced by minorities and Indigenous communities and make certain that a framework is in place to tackle discriminatory practices and policies as they are uncovered.

I want to hear from you Mr. Mayor. What are your plans? Where is the mechanism to advise Council and City Hall on the practices, policies, and regulations that discriminate against the “unequivocal strength” of your city?

I call on you Mr. Mayor to re-establish both the Diversity Advisory Committee and establish a Race Relations Accountability Committee, and make them fully integrated resources for Council and the newly announced Surrey Police Board.

Provide a platform for our community to share our voices and be witnesses to the changes that we would like to see in our public institutions.

Pauline Greaves, PhD - Surrey Resident

Pauline Greaves is an instructor in the Langara School of Management, and served on the City of Surrey’s now disbanded diversity committee. In 2018 Pauline Greaves was a candidate for Mayor with Proudly Surrey. In the past, she has served as director of the UBC Women’s Centre, executive director of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre and policy director of the Elizabeth Fry Society. Greaves holds a MA in criminology and a PhD in education administration.