MAY 9, 2019

WHEREAS, everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect; and

WHEREAS, everyone should be recognized as an individual and has the right to be who they are, without being shamed, demeaned, attacked or marginalized; and

WHEREAS, judgment and discrimination against others may be based on many factors and may be due to a person’s accent, age, disability, height, weight, nationality, race, religion, sex, gender, gender-identity or sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS, judgment and discrimination leads to bullying, harassment, marginalization and attack that may occur in the workplace, at schools, in social settings and in homes, and online; and

WHEREAS, discrimination and bullying have direct effects on the physical, emotional, mental and financial well-being of an individual, on organizational stability and safe and stable atmosphere in schools and businesses, of a city’s economic vitality and societal stability, and on the health and well-being of society as a whole; and

WHEREAS, everyone of all ages, groups and backgrounds may be victims of bullying, discrimination, harassment, disrespect and attack; and Whereas, the City of Thunder Bay is comprised of a diverse population of all ages, genders, ethnicities, religions, races, sexual orientations, nationalities, physical and emotional capabilities and personalities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Thunder Bay celebrates diversity, individuality and respect for each citizen, and embraces the people of the community for who they are, and affirms that all citizens contribute their own unique individuality to what makes our city vital.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Mauro, Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2019, to be Everyone Matters Day in the City of Thunder Bay, and encourage all the people of Thunder Bay to recognize others for who they are, embrace themselves for who they are, celebrate their own unique individuality, and treat others with respect and dignity. Everyone matters!

BILL MAURO,

MAYOR