Municipality making strides to advance equity, diversity and inclusion
The Municipality of the County of Kings is one step closer to achieving its vision of building a community of communities where all people belong.
Work is underway to advance action items outlined in a new strategy passed by council in December. The intent of the strategy, called “Toward Equity and Diversity: A Strategy for Belonging in the Municipality of the County of Kings,” is to create a ripple effect of meaningful change in the Kings region.
“We have dedicated ourselves to constant education, self-awareness, sensitivity and action. We want all communities within the Kings region to be known as inclusive. ‘Representing’ ourselves as being so is not sufficient. Intention must be converted to action,” said Municipality of the County of Kings Mayor Peter Muttart.
Muttart hopes individuals reading the Strategy for Belonging will feel inspired to play a part – big or small – in helping the municipality fulfill the goals outlined in the action plan.
“Speaking for your council, we can think of no better addition to our reputation as a region than being known and renowned for our willingness and capacity to be inclusive, caring and proactive in appreciating the diversity of all who live, or come to live, amongst us – in a region that is safe and welcoming to all.”
The strategy calls for the evaluation of municipal policies, services,
partnerships and programs through three key lenses: Reconciliation and Mi’kmaq Treaty Rights, African Diaspora, Anti-Black Racism and Reparations, and Equity, Inclusion and Diversity.
Goals and key action items were designed with the following strategic priorities in mind: demonstrating leadership and enhancing representation, economic empowerment, truth, awareness and advocacy, cultural celebration and reflection of diversity, creating safe spaces (land and built environment), access and equitable service delivery.
“The implementation of the Belonging Strategy is expected to transform the social and economic fabric of the Kings region through the employment of equitable hiring processes, service delivery, diverse representation on municipal committees and relationship building initiatives with diverse communities,” said Municipality of the County of Kings diversity specialist Kenisha Gordon.
“The realization of these outcomes will see more people from historically underrepresented communities such as the Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, other people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers, women and youth involved in municipal programs, recreation services, and the social procurement process.”
View “Toward Equity and Diversity: A Strategy for Belonging in the Municipality of the County of Kings” in its entirety by visiting https://www.countyofkings.ca/diversity.