Platform Cultural Inclusion & Belonging

My Plan For Cultural Inclusion, Community Safety, & Belonging

Celebrating Every Community. Protecting Every Resident.

One of Vaughan's greatest strengths is its diversity.

People from every background, culture, faith and tradition have helped build Vaughan into one of Canada's most vibrant and successful communities. This diversity is not simply something we celebrate. It is something we must actively protect.

For me, this is personal.

Before entering politics, I spent 27 years serving children, youth, seniors and families through community organizations. Throughout my public life, I have worked to bring people together through community events, volunteerism, cultural initiatives and programs that strengthen community pride and belonging. I also helped establish and support initiatives such as MapleFest, the Seniors Association of Vaughan Initiative (SAVI) and numerous community-building programs that have strengthened Vaughan's social fabric. marioferri.ca, vaughan.ca

Every resident should feel safe expressing their culture, practicing their faith and participating in community life.

I have done this before. Throughout my life in public office, I did not just talk about bringing people together. Throughout my public life, I have worked to strengthen community organizations, support cultural celebrations and build bridges between people of different backgrounds, cultures and faiths. I was proud to support Vaughan's Safe Access initiative and investments that help residents feel safe and included. Now I want to build on that foundation by strengthening protections for community institutions, supporting cultural events and ensuring every resident feels respected and welcome.

What Has Been Achieved Over The Last Four Years

My 6-Point Community Inclusion & Belonging Plan

The Next Four Years

1Strengthen Protection for Community Institutions

Every family should be able to attend a place of worship, community centre, school or cultural event free from intimidation and harassment.

I strongly support the expansion of Vaughan's Safe Access initiative and will continue advocating for measures that protect:

  • Places of worship;
  • Schools and childcare facilities;
  • Community centres;
  • Cultural institutions; and
  • Public events.

Goal Ensure every resident feels safe participating in community life.

2Faith & Cultural Institutions Security Program

Many faith communities, cultural organizations and community institutions have experienced rising security concerns in recent years. Synagogues, churches, mosques, temples, cultural centres and community organizations should be places where people come together in safety, not places where they feel vulnerable.

I will establish a Faith & Cultural Institutions Security Program to help eligible organizations improve safety, security and emergency preparedness.

The program may support:

  • Security cameras and surveillance systems;
  • Access-control systems and secure entry improvements;
  • Protective lighting and exterior safety upgrades;
  • Emergency communication systems;
  • Security assessments and threat-prevention planning;
  • Safety training for staff and volunteers;
  • Event-security planning; and,
  • Emergency preparedness initiatives.

I will also work with York Regional Police, community organizations and faith leaders to improve information sharing, security awareness and emergency preparedness for cultural and religious institutions across Vaughan.

Funding will be achieved through partnerships, advocacy to senior governments, external grants and efficiencies identified through the City's broader fiscal responsibility initiatives.

Goal Help ensure every resident can worship, celebrate their culture and participate in community life safely and without fear.

3Create a Vaughan Cultural & Faith Community Partnership Council

I will establish a permanent advisory council bringing together representatives from Vaughan's cultural, ethnic, faith and community organizations.

The Council will:

  • Identify emerging community concerns;
  • Provide direct advice to Council;
  • Strengthen communication with City Hall;
  • Support public safety initiatives; and,
  • Promote community collaboration.

Goal Ensure every community has a voice at the table.

4Expand Support for Cultural Festivals and Community Events

Community celebrations strengthen social connections and build civic pride.

I will increase support for:

  • Cultural festivals;
  • Heritage celebrations;
  • Faith-based community events;
  • Community street festivals;
  • Volunteer-led events; and,
  • Multicultural celebrations.

Goal Celebrate the cultures and traditions that make Vaughan unique.

5Improve Access to Community Facilities

Community organizations need affordable and accessible gathering spaces.

I will work to:

  • Simplify facility booking processes;
  • Expand access to community space;
  • Improve availability of meeting facilities;
  • Enhance accessibility for seniors and persons with disabilities; and,
  • Ensure municipal facilities meet the needs of Vaughan's growing communities.

Goal Make it easier for residents to gather, celebrate and connect.

6Launch a Community Respect & Anti-Hate Initiative

Hate, discrimination and intolerance have no place in Vaughan.

I will work with community organizations, York Regional Police and local partners to:

  • Promote public education and awareness;
  • Improve reporting of hate incidents;
  • Support community dialogue initiatives;
  • Strengthen relationships between communities and first responders; and,
  • Promote respect and understanding across Vaughan.

Goal Build a community where every resident feels safe, welcome and respected.

My Commitment

Throughout my career, I have worked to bring people together, strengthen communities and build bridges between residents of different backgrounds and traditions.

I was proud to support Vaughan's Safe Access initiative because everyone deserves to practice their faith, celebrate their culture and participate in community life free from intimidation and fear. cija.ca, caef.ca

Over the next four years, I will continue building a Vaughan where cultural diversity is celebrated, community organizations are supported and every resident feels safe, respected and included.

Celebrating Diversity. Building Community. Strengthening Belonging.

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