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mayor mel has apologized for his remark about cannibals in Africa, but activists say it was no flash in the pan. Check the city’s race relations record. The national consultation held at Metro Hall recently in preparation for the United Nations World Conference Against Racism (slated for Durban, South Africa, later this summer) received no money or political endorsement from the city.
The Urban Alliance on Race Relations asked the mayor’s office to sponsor a luncheon for delegates, but that request was denied.
The report on minorities commissioned by the city’s Access and Equity Office notes that racial minorities are experiencing significant disadvantages in employment and education. Recommendations were tabled over a year ago, but no action has been taken.
The city’s diversity advocate, Sherene Shaw, admits to encountering obstacles of her own. Shaw wrote the mayor personally to urge support for the UN gathering at Metro Hall, as did councillor Pam McConnell.
Those who respond to media queries on the mayor’s behalf are busy overseas pushing the Olympic bid.