Seniors' Advisory Committee Terms of Reference

The following terms of reference outline the operation of a steering committee to oversee Seniors’ issues in support of the Town of Markham’s Diversity Strategy. The Steering Committee will be responsible for providing advice and input into the Town’s Diversity strategies on an ongoing basis.

To provide advice to Council on Seniors’ issues, solicit input from the Seniors’ community and promote awareness within Markham.

The Advisory Committee shall be comprised of a total of twelve (12) members of the public appointed by Council. At least 50% (6) of the membership shall be individuals 55 years of age or older. Members are to be selected for their knowledge, expertise, community experience and ability to attend meetings. One (1) member shall be chosen from three of the Executive Seniors Clubs in Markham. Five (5) members shall be chosen from not-for-profit community agencies servicing the needs of the Seniors’ community. Five (5) members shall be representative members of the Seniors’ community at large in Markham. A Regional Council member shall also be appointed to facilitate issues which are governed by the Region.

All appointments to the Seniors Advisory Committee shall follow the Town of Markham Appointment to Advisory Boards and Committee process.

Staggered terms of office of 1, 2, and 3 years in duration.

Meeting minutes and recommendations shall be received by General Committee and Council following each meeting.

An annual action plan will be prepared. The Committee will also report on its accomplishments from the previous year to Council.

One (1) Clerk for administrative support. One (1) Seniors Coordinator from the Recreation Services and the Community and Fire Services Commission, shall provide advisory support to the Committee.

The Seniors Advisory Committee will act as a liaison to enrich and enhance the lives of seniors within Markham, identify barriers, form partnerships with the community and act as a public forum for issues affecting seniors. The committee will reflect the diversity of Markham and in so doing will enhance the overall sustainability of the Markham community.

The Seniors Advisory Committee will be responsible for the following:

1. Providing advice based on input received from the community and Markham staff to improve the effectives of the programs and services at the Town.
2. Identify barriers to access by seniors to Town services and programs
3. Forming partnerships within the community to educate, and inform quality of life for seniors.

It is recommended that the Seniors Advisory Committee be eligible for an annual grant under the Seniors Grant program.

To eliminate barriers to participation it is recommended that $5,000 be allocated to this committee for the purposes of transportation.

All employees and volunteers will be guided by the Town of Markham’s Workplace Anti-discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy and Code of Ethics and Conduct Policies.

Further recognizing the importance of ethical conduct to the community and the Corporation, a Committee member shall:

• Put public interest above individual, group or social interests and consider the position as an opportunity to serve society;
• Treat other Committee members and Town staff with respect and courtesy at all times;
• Recognize that government service is a public trust that imposes responsibility to conserve resources, funds and materials;
• Never offer, give, or accept gifts, favours, or services that might tend to influence, or be perceived to influence, the discharge of duties;
• Never use the position to secure personal and/or political advantage;
• Never disclose confidential information;
• Declare conflict of interest and withdraw from committee participation on any matter that involves a direct or indirect personal financial interest

See 4 Weeks Rolling Calendar ( 260k/2p)