Action Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey ... - City of Surrey

Issue Element:
Ethno and Culturally Appropriate Services, Opportunities and
Programming
Key Gap: Need for more culturally sensitive approaches to service delivery within
municipal programs and greater promotion of the benefits of cultural and ethnic
diversity
Recommendations – Short-term:
• Expand the Terms of Reference for the Cultural Opportunities Working Group
(made up of staff representatives from each City department) to develop and assist in
implementing culturally sensitive approaches to City services and work place practices,
including but not limited to:
• Establishing approaches and recruitment practices to foster a City workforce that is
reflective of the diverse population of the community;
• Ensuring the City’s communications are accessible and easily read and understood
by those Surrey residents which are the intended audience of the communication;
• Ensuring a welcoming environment for all residents regardless of ethnicity;
• Celebrating religious/cultural events important to Surrey residents and staff;
• Developing training initiatives to increase diversity awareness for staff
• Ensure that the Cultural Opportunities Working Group produces an annual report
that details its activities and progress for Council
• Improve outreach communications and networking with ethnocultural communities
and organizations
Recommendations – Long-term:
• Develop and implement policies and budgeting practices that would ensure that
the City operates in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Develop a strategic plan to foster ethno-cultural inclusiveness in Surrey
Page 6
City of Surrey