Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

That Tavleen Kamboj be elected as Vice-Chair of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee.

That the agenda be approved.

That the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee recommends to Council: Whereas anticipated reductions to English classes for newcomers to Canada are expected to result in the elimination of federally funded intermediate English classes in September 2026; and Whereas intermediate English classes are where newcomers develop practical language skills in areas such as, but not limited to, employment, volunteering, health care, and parent-teacher interviews, and these programs support participation in the economic and civic life of Kingston; and Whereas in Kingston approximately 240 newcomers currently participate in federally funded English classes, with many attending or approaching the intermediate level, and the elimination of these classes would directly disrupt the learning pathways of a significant portion of residents engaged in language learning; and Whereas many of those who would be affected by these reductions are refugees, including youth who did not have the opportunity to learn English in Canadian elementary and secondary schools; Therefore Be It Resolved That Kingston City Council affirm the importance of maintaining funding for intermediate-level English language learning programs and urge Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to sustain support for these programs, recognizing that language acquisition is essential to securing employment, pursuing further education, and participating fully in community life; and That a copy of this motion

That Councillor Hassan be elected as Chair of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee.

That the minutes of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Meeting Number 2025-03 held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, be approved.

That the meeting of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee adjourn at 1:39 p.m.