Policies
Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Policy
A: STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood is a mixed income, ethnically diverse neighbourhood made up of people from diverse communities and equity seeking groups[1]. The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) recognizes that the changing nature of the population has implications in terms of delivering and/or providing access to its programming and activities.
The SLNA recognizes that barriers to services exist for members of diverse communities, particularly for equity seeking groups, and is committed to acting as a positive force in eliminating these barriers.
To achieve this, the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association will:
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association does not tolerate discrimination or harassment and protects the right to be free from hate activity based on age, ancestry, citizenship, creed (religion), colour, disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender identity, level of literacy, marital status, place of origin, membership in a union or staff association, political affiliation, race, receipt of public assistance, record of offences, sex, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic by or within the organization.
Definitions
Anti-racism: a set of practices and systems designed to eliminate racism. Racism includes racist ideologies, prejudiced attitudes, discriminatory behaviours, structural arrangements and institutionalized practices resulting in racial inequality as well as the fallacious notion that discriminatory relations between groups are morally and scientifically justifiable.
Access: the ability of or extents to which communities or residents can attain needed services and achieve full participation in the planning, development, administration and delivery of those services. Access includes client access and organizational access.
Equity: practices designed to remove systemic barriers to equality of outcome by identifying and eliminating discriminatory policies and practices.
Discrimination: the act of treating a person unequally by imposing unequal burdens or denying benefits, rather than treating a person fairly on the basis of individual merit. Discrimination is usually based upon personal prejudices and stereotypical assumptions related to at least one of the grounds set out in this Policy. It is not necessary to have an intent to discriminate under the Code. Workplace rules, policies, procedures, requirements, qualifications or factors may not be directly or intentionally discriminatory but may nonetheless have an adverse effect. This may create barriers to achievement and opportunity.
Harassment: a course of conduct of comments or actions that are unwelcome or should be known to be unwelcome. A person has the right to be free of humiliating or annoying behaviour that is based on one or more grounds in the Code.
B: POLICY AND ACTIONS ON ANTI-RACISM, ACCESS & EQUITY
Governance
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to achieving representation of the diversity of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood on its Board of Directors by ensuring that it has an equitable and transparent nominations process; that this process is communicated to all members; and that members are committed to outreach beyond the current membership if necessary to achieve this goal.
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to maintaining an environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and are free from all forms of discriminatory treatment, behaviour or practice. Discrimination, harassment, violence, and any other form of discriminatory practices will not be tolerated by SLNA. Discrimination does not have to be intentional. It can result from practices or policies that appear to be neutral but, in reality, have a negative effect on groups or individuals based on race, religion, gender, etc.
Services
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to ensuring that its services and programs are accessible to diverse communities. This requires continuing scrutiny of current outreach, communications, program planning and evaluation, to ensure that goal is being met.
In addition, SLNA will take into consideration provision of services to disadvantaged individuals, low income persons, families in poverty, and equity seeking communities.
Training and Education
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to ensuring that those involved in the delivery of services and programs have the knowledge, understanding and skills to work with and provide services to members of diverse communities, particularly equity seeking communities.
Information and Communications
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to ensuring that all of its communications, including information on its services and programs, are accessible to diverse communities.
___________________________
Footnote:
[1] For the purposes of this policy, equity-seeking groups include Aboriginal/First Nations people, women, people with disabilities, racial minorities, the socio-economically disadvantaged, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons.
Approved by the SLNA Board of Directors
February 24, 2025
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood is a mixed income, ethnically diverse neighbourhood made up of people from diverse communities and equity seeking groups[1]. The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) recognizes that the changing nature of the population has implications in terms of delivering and/or providing access to its programming and activities.
The SLNA recognizes that barriers to services exist for members of diverse communities, particularly for equity seeking groups, and is committed to acting as a positive force in eliminating these barriers.
To achieve this, the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association will:
- ensure that diverse communities have equitable access to its services, resources and decision making;
- be non-discriminatory and promote the goals of anti-racism, access and equity; and
- take reasonable steps to ensure its services, programs and decision making reflect the community it serves.
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association does not tolerate discrimination or harassment and protects the right to be free from hate activity based on age, ancestry, citizenship, creed (religion), colour, disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender identity, level of literacy, marital status, place of origin, membership in a union or staff association, political affiliation, race, receipt of public assistance, record of offences, sex, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic by or within the organization.
Definitions
Anti-racism: a set of practices and systems designed to eliminate racism. Racism includes racist ideologies, prejudiced attitudes, discriminatory behaviours, structural arrangements and institutionalized practices resulting in racial inequality as well as the fallacious notion that discriminatory relations between groups are morally and scientifically justifiable.
Access: the ability of or extents to which communities or residents can attain needed services and achieve full participation in the planning, development, administration and delivery of those services. Access includes client access and organizational access.
Equity: practices designed to remove systemic barriers to equality of outcome by identifying and eliminating discriminatory policies and practices.
Discrimination: the act of treating a person unequally by imposing unequal burdens or denying benefits, rather than treating a person fairly on the basis of individual merit. Discrimination is usually based upon personal prejudices and stereotypical assumptions related to at least one of the grounds set out in this Policy. It is not necessary to have an intent to discriminate under the Code. Workplace rules, policies, procedures, requirements, qualifications or factors may not be directly or intentionally discriminatory but may nonetheless have an adverse effect. This may create barriers to achievement and opportunity.
Harassment: a course of conduct of comments or actions that are unwelcome or should be known to be unwelcome. A person has the right to be free of humiliating or annoying behaviour that is based on one or more grounds in the Code.
B: POLICY AND ACTIONS ON ANTI-RACISM, ACCESS & EQUITY
Governance
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to achieving representation of the diversity of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood on its Board of Directors by ensuring that it has an equitable and transparent nominations process; that this process is communicated to all members; and that members are committed to outreach beyond the current membership if necessary to achieve this goal.
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to maintaining an environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and are free from all forms of discriminatory treatment, behaviour or practice. Discrimination, harassment, violence, and any other form of discriminatory practices will not be tolerated by SLNA. Discrimination does not have to be intentional. It can result from practices or policies that appear to be neutral but, in reality, have a negative effect on groups or individuals based on race, religion, gender, etc.
Services
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to ensuring that its services and programs are accessible to diverse communities. This requires continuing scrutiny of current outreach, communications, program planning and evaluation, to ensure that goal is being met.
In addition, SLNA will take into consideration provision of services to disadvantaged individuals, low income persons, families in poverty, and equity seeking communities.
Training and Education
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to ensuring that those involved in the delivery of services and programs have the knowledge, understanding and skills to work with and provide services to members of diverse communities, particularly equity seeking communities.
Information and Communications
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to ensuring that all of its communications, including information on its services and programs, are accessible to diverse communities.
___________________________
Footnote:
[1] For the purposes of this policy, equity-seeking groups include Aboriginal/First Nations people, women, people with disabilities, racial minorities, the socio-economically disadvantaged, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons.
Approved by the SLNA Board of Directors
February 24, 2025
| 250224_slna_anti-racism_access_and_equity_policy.pdf |
Complaints Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy document is to set out procedures in the event of a complaint from a person external to the Association.
Our Commitment
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to dealing with and resolving complaints as quickly as possible. All complaints and appeals will be handled professionally, confidentially and in a timely manner, in order to achieve a satisfactory resolution that is fair and equitable to all parties.
Complaints Process
A complaint may be submitted in writing (by mail or email) to the Board or a Board member. The person who receives the complaint will forward it to the entire Board. Contact information will be collected from the complainant and an approximate timeframe for response will be provided.
Complaint Resolution
Complaints will be handled as efficiently as possible. In the first instance, the Board will attempt to resolve a submitted complaint at its next Board meeting; failing that, as soon as possible thereafter. A response will be provided in writing to the complainant clearly outlining the rationale for any decision.
Documenting the Complaint
All complaints will be recorded and will include the contact information of the complainant, details of the complaint, who responded, resolution, and outcome. Complaints exposing the organization to liability, risk, or reputational harm will be reported to the Membership annually.
Contact Information
Complaints may be submitted by email to [email protected] or in writing to:
St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association
230 The Esplanade
Toronto, ON
M5A 4J6
Approved by the SLNA Board of Directors
February 24, 2025
The purpose of this policy document is to set out procedures in the event of a complaint from a person external to the Association.
Our Commitment
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is committed to dealing with and resolving complaints as quickly as possible. All complaints and appeals will be handled professionally, confidentially and in a timely manner, in order to achieve a satisfactory resolution that is fair and equitable to all parties.
Complaints Process
A complaint may be submitted in writing (by mail or email) to the Board or a Board member. The person who receives the complaint will forward it to the entire Board. Contact information will be collected from the complainant and an approximate timeframe for response will be provided.
Complaint Resolution
Complaints will be handled as efficiently as possible. In the first instance, the Board will attempt to resolve a submitted complaint at its next Board meeting; failing that, as soon as possible thereafter. A response will be provided in writing to the complainant clearly outlining the rationale for any decision.
Documenting the Complaint
All complaints will be recorded and will include the contact information of the complainant, details of the complaint, who responded, resolution, and outcome. Complaints exposing the organization to liability, risk, or reputational harm will be reported to the Membership annually.
Contact Information
Complaints may be submitted by email to [email protected] or in writing to:
St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association
230 The Esplanade
Toronto, ON
M5A 4J6
Approved by the SLNA Board of Directors
February 24, 2025
| 250224_slna_complaints_policy.pdf |
Fund Raising Policy
SLNA encourages and supports external fund raising activities which can provide the Association with additional funds to invest in the neighbourhood. The following requirements and restrictions apply:
Approved by the SLNA Board of Directors
June 14, 2023
- Anyone can apply for authorization to raise funds for the Association.
- Each request for authorization shall contain a statement outlining the scope of the proposed fund raising activity. The statement of scope shall include:
- campaign purpose – what is the money for; proposed use of funds:
- money can be raised for specific projects or investments or for general revenues;
- funds contributed for specific uses will be classified as internally restricted for those uses;
- campaign duration – how long will fund raising activity be occurring:
- campaigns can be time limited or open ended;
- campaign target – what is the dollar target, one time or annual; if in-kind, what in-kind contribution(s) is/are proposed;
- recognition – how will donors be recognized;
- campaign purpose – what is the money for; proposed use of funds:
- Approval of both the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors is required for authorization to raise funds on behalf of the Association;
- the Board will issue an Approval letter which may be used as a credential for the fund raiser;
- donor recognition will be approved on a case by case basis;
- Fund raisers must agree that 100% of the funds raised will be contributed directly to the Association for the stated purpose(s).
Approved by the SLNA Board of Directors
June 14, 2023
| 230614_slna_fund_raising_policy.pdf |
Harassment Policy
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) is committed to fostering an environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Harassment of any kind toward any person or group will not be tolerated from any person participating in or attending SLNA meetings and events – live, hybrid or virtual.
Harassment means engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against someone that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, including sexual harassment.
Participants in Association meetings and events are encouraged to report any incidents of harassment to the Board of Directors [[email protected]].
The Association will investigate and deal with all complaints or incidents of harassment in a fair, respectful and timely manner. Information provided about an incident or about a complaint will not be disclosed except as necessary to protect individuals, to investigate the complaint or incident, to take corrective action or as otherwise required by law.
All participating community members, committee members, Delegates and Directors are expected to adhere to this policy, and will be held responsible by the Association for not following it. No individual will be penalized or disciplined for reporting an incident or for participating in an investigation involving harassment.
Approved by the SLNA Board of Directors
April 17, 2024
Harassment means engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against someone that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, including sexual harassment.
- harassment may be based on one or more of the prohibited grounds of discrimination as defined by the Human Rights Code including race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, and disability;
- however, harassment does not need to be based on a prohibited ground to be a violation of this policy.
- engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against someone because of sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, where the course of comment or conduct is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, or
- making a sexual solicitation or advance where the person making the solicitation or advance is in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit and the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the solicitation or advance is unwelcome.
Participants in Association meetings and events are encouraged to report any incidents of harassment to the Board of Directors [[email protected]].
The Association will investigate and deal with all complaints or incidents of harassment in a fair, respectful and timely manner. Information provided about an incident or about a complaint will not be disclosed except as necessary to protect individuals, to investigate the complaint or incident, to take corrective action or as otherwise required by law.
All participating community members, committee members, Delegates and Directors are expected to adhere to this policy, and will be held responsible by the Association for not following it. No individual will be penalized or disciplined for reporting an incident or for participating in an investigation involving harassment.
Approved by the SLNA Board of Directors
April 17, 2024
| 240417_slna_harassment_policy.pdf |
Sponsoring Member - Definition and Interpretation
By-Law 3.1.1.1 of the Association states, "Any housing group in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood is eligible to apply to the Board to become a Sponsoring Member of the Association".
Definition: By-Law 1.1.3 defines "Housing Group" to mean "any multi-unit residential building, such as a Co-op, Toronto Community Housing Building or Condominium Corporation or a collection of single-family residences or town houses whose owners/residents have chosen to form a housing group".
Interpretation: To provide additional clarification, "housing group" per By-Law 1.1.3 shall be further interpreted to mean:
Approved by the SLNA Board of Directors
December 13, 2024; January 8, 2025
Definition: By-Law 1.1.3 defines "Housing Group" to mean "any multi-unit residential building, such as a Co-op, Toronto Community Housing Building or Condominium Corporation or a collection of single-family residences or town houses whose owners/residents have chosen to form a housing group".
Interpretation: To provide additional clarification, "housing group" per By-Law 1.1.3 shall be further interpreted to mean:
- a single mid- or high-rise residential building with a unique mailing address, irrespective of incorporation or joint- incorporation with other addresses in the same building or complex; or
- a collection of one or more low rise residences managed and governed together under one entity, association or corporation.
Approved by the SLNA Board of Directors
December 13, 2024; January 8, 2025