A local youth group wants to see more money available for anti-racism groups and projects.
Harasees Singh with the Regional Multicultural Youth Council says it would help groups like theirs if the city created a separate fund to help them do more.
The youth group officials note their organization would like to see $30,000 per year.
“We appreciate getting funding for different events from different organizations, but organizations such as ours really need help for operating costs, because in the end we’re not a business and we can’t really make money.”
Council did not commit to making the funds available but will continue talks with the group.
Youth Council member Amir-Ali Golrokhian explains the fund should be made available not just to their group, but others who do similar work.
“We want them to be committed to fighting discrimination and racism, promoting multiculturalism, and building a safer community in Thunder Bay,” he explains. “And we would like them to have a record of that, and proof of their continued commitment and prior support in some way.”
The youth group didn’t specify a total amount they would like to see, but noted that if multiple groups will make use of it, it should be “at least three times” higher than $30,000.
While there was plenty of discussion around how such a fund could be created, Councillor Mark Bentz had a positive reaction to the request.
He says he would like to help them with their vision for the pool of money.
“I think I understand what you’re asking for is a segregated fund for anti-racism, anti-discrimination type activities. I think it’s good, it’s somewhat apart from cultural and arts [activities].”
Members of the youth group say local groups face a lot of competition for the city’s current funding under the cultural and arts envelope.
