Rather than disciplining Sprovieri — which the integrity commissioner did not recommend — council accepted his public apology and passed a motion tabled by Coun. Martin Medeiros requiring all members of council to undergo diversity sensitivity training instead.

Medeiros, who also sits on the city’s inclusion and equity committee, argued that not only should the current members of council undergo training, but that such training should be mandatory for all future members of council as well.

“This motion attempts not to single one councillor out for an unfortunate situation. I’m requesting that all members of council participate in cultural awareness training,” Medeiros told council in February. “I think all of us would benefit from some diversity training.”

The rest of council agreed.

“We certainly want to hold ourselves to the highest account, and I think diversity training is going to be valuable,” said the mayor following the unanimous vote in favour of the motion.

At its April 11 meeting, council was informed of the details of the training. Staff also informed council that such training was already mandatory at many large companies, post-secondary institutions and in other municipalities.

Council was also told of the initial steps toward institutionalizing diversity sensitivity training moving forward.

“What we’re also looking towards is developing terms of reference, and to ask for an informal call for proposals to establish a more longer-term and sustained training and awareness program for council to start with the next term of council,” said city clerk Peter Fay.