In the month of June, we celebrate the diversity and culture of our city through many events like Pride Month, Indigenous Peoples Month and Day, AccessAbility Week and Seniors Month. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, we have the opportunity to celebrate our differences and educate ourselves about our many communities and cultures.
However, even as we continue to learn and grow together, we must acknowledge that our goal of a Toronto for All is a work in progress. Over the last few weeks we have heard from many of our colleagues about the hate, discrimination and pain that they experience.
It is a shameful truth that anti-Semitism has been the most reported hate crime in Toronto for many years. This fact is confirmed with the release of the police report on hate crimes each year. It is in this already disturbing context that we must consider the recent rise in anti-Semitism in Toronto, and the pain it causes for the Jewish community as they fear for their safety. In the communications I have received from Jewish staff, I have been most struck by people’s comments about feeling alone in the fight against anti-Semitism. Please know that you are not alone and that I strongly condemn anti-Semitism.
We have also heard from Palestinian staff about the profound impact of recent events on them. They have expressed that often, out of fear, they feel the need to hide the fact that they are Palestinian, and feel constrained in their ability to speak about their lived experience.
In sending this message I am well aware that these conversations can be polarising but have confidence that we, as the Toronto Public Service, are able to grapple with multiple truths and hold space for each other’s perspective. Celebrating Toronto’s diversity means we must be able to acknowledge each other’s lived experience even when tensions exist. It also means members of all communities must be able to live without fear of hate or discrimination.
We started this week acknowledging the horrific discovery in Kamloops and being confronted with the atrocities that are the foundation and ongoing legacy of our imperfect nation. In this message, we are also recognising that our city, like our nation, is a work in progress. We are a great city because of the contributions of our many diverse communities and people, and we cannot allow hate to erode our vision of an inclusive city.
The City of Toronto firmly and unequivocally stands against hate and discrimination of any kind. There is no room for it in our society, in our workplaces, our homes or communities. Embracing diversity and inclusion is a key part of our workplace culture. I know there is still work to do, and together with our senior leadership, I am committed to doing the work necessary and not stopping until we get it right. I want you to know that we hear you, we see you and we support you all.
If you need support as you navigate these challenging times, please seek help or support through friends, family, colleagues, your community, or through the Employee Assistance Program which offers culturally sensitive, confidential, short-term counselling, information and referral services.
The safety and wellbeing of our employees is our top priority. If you have faced or are currently facing hate or discrimination while at work, our Human Rights Office is available to provide confidential advice, information and assistance related to human rights, discrimination and harassment issues.
Please check in on each other and learn more about how you can put allyship into practice. I know we still have work to do in creating a society where we can all live and work free from hate, harassment and discrimination. I remain committed to showing up each day as an ally to champion inclusivity, equity and acceptance, and I ask that you all join me in standing together, united in support of one another.
Chris Murray
City Manager