The city has identified eight individuals to sit on the new inclusivity advisory committee.

The names of the eight were presented to council in an administrative report at Monday night’s council meeting.

Administration is recommending the appointment of Shonagh McCrindle, Ramesh Ferris, Nancy Kidd, Stace Bernard, Pawan Bhardwaj, Christina Zahar, Bill Burton and Sharlaina Bain to a two-year term.

The city will also appoint two non-voting administrative staff to assist the committee.

Council will vote next Monday whether to bring forward the bylaw required to make the appointments.

Council is also being asked to revoke the appointment of David Irvine on the land development and housing advisory committee and confirm the appointment of Tiffany Eckert-Maret to take Irvine’s place for a two-year term.

The purpose of the new inclusivity advisory committee is to focus on issues related to inclusivity and diversity within Whitehorse, says the administrative report.

“The scope of work and mandate of the committee will be defined by council,” says the report.

“Administration will work with the committee to develop an agenda, work plan and budget for the first year.

“Within the first year of its mandate, council will expect the committee to present recommendations regarding means to improve social inclusion and encourage diversity within the City of Whitehorse with specific focus on city programs, services and responsibilities.”

The report says a number of topics and subject areas are included in the terms of reference and mandate for the inclusivity advisory committee to consider and report to council on.

These include:

• Identify opportunities to increase inclusivity through city bylaws, policies and programs;

• Advise council on the implementation of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities toolkits and resources;

• Make recommendations to council on strategies and initiatives to provide an inclusive, diverse, positive and healthy environment within the City of Whitehorse and our community;

• On select topics, hear and respond to delegations of representatives from community and cultural groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals;

• Advise council on the inclusiveness and effectiveness of existing programs and services; and

• Examine any inclusivity issue that council refers to the committee for consideration.