City hires first Director of Indigenous Initiatives, Anti-Racism, Accessibility and Equity

The City of Waterloo is pleased to announce the hiring of its first Director of Indigenous Initiatives, Anti-Racism, Accessibility and Equity.

Sanjay Govindaraj will join the city on August 16, following more than 20 years with the Region of Waterloo, with the last five working in Human Resources and the Chief Administrative Office as an Equity and Anti-Racism Advisor in the Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights unit.

“We’re very happy that Sanjay will be joining the city and taking on this significant senior leadership role,” said Tim Anderson, CAO, City of Waterloo. “Sanjay brings a wealth of lived and professional experience to this role. He has cultivated strong and mutually beneficial relationships throughout the region and we look forward to the contributions Sanjay will make in the areas of Indigenous Initiatives, Anti-Racism, Accessibility and Equity.”

While at the Region, Mr. Govindaraj developed comprehensive and actionable plans that support Indigenous reconciliation, anti-racism, accessibility, equity and inclusion.

One of Mr. Govindaraj’s first tasks will be to complete the hiring for the city’s new division. Roles to be filled include: an Indigenous initiatives advocate; an Anti-racism and Social Justice advocate; and an Accessibility advocate.

Waterloo City Council approved the addition of the four new positions in December. Mr. Govindaraj will report to CAO Tim Anderson.

“These are difficult and challenging times with the discoveries of Indigenous children buried in unmarked graves, inequity laid bare with a disproportionately larger number of Black and racialized communities impacted by COVID-19, and the recent hate fueled attacks against Muslims, Asians and Trans people,” said Mr. Govindaraj. “In this climate, I am incredibly honoured to work with a City and Council that understands the importance of addressing Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility and Anti-Racism in a meaningful way. I look forward to getting to work in the city I call home and actively engaging with the community.”

Media contact:

Tony Iavarone
Director, Corporate Communications
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca