The Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee is looking at their role when it comes to complaints of racism and discrimination.

The discussion came up at a committee meeting at the Scoop Lewry Room after the committee received a complaint about an incident of racism last week.

“It raises the question of our mandate and what the appropriate role for our mandate is and how we can best support the community in overcoming these unfortunate things without overstepping our bounds and letting the process happen as they should with the right bodies,” said committee chair Dalise Hector.

Details of the incident were not discussed at the meeting as it is before the Human Rights Commission.

While receiving complaints has been rare, there have been incidents in the past where the committee has taken the complaint to city council.

In the end, Hector says one of the supports they are looking at is education about supports such as the Human Rights Commission.

“Education seems to be really on the minds of our membership, educating those who may be experiencing racism or discrimination,” Hector said.

“Although I think it is rare, but if they are, where do they go to? How can they get the support and the help they need and deserve.”

Hector added that racism and discrimination can in many forms.

“Racism can com intentionally, it can be a result of ignorance,” she said. “Again education may be our role but we are working on understanding our bylaws and bringing it more up to date to make sure we know what our role is and really what the municipality needs from us as an advisory body.”

The next meeting of the Cultural and Diversity Advisory Committee will be Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Scoop Lewry Room at City Hall.