I am absolutely shocked to hear of the passing of Alick Siu. Alick was deeply committed to the engagement of the Asian community in all aspects of community life, and he dedicated a good portion of his life to this fantastic idea.
I came to know Alick during his 6 years as a community member on York Region District School Board’s Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) where I have the honour of serving as board lead. Alick made invaluable contributions to the advice that EIAC provided to the Board of Trustees through the Director of Education. This advice centred on helping YRDSB continue to be a school board where ALL students feel safe, welcomed, and included regardless of their social identity.
I also attended several community engagement sessions organized by Alick at the Markham Civic Centre. These sessions always had the goal trumpeting the value of being engaged the community.
I know that this is a very difficult time for Alick’s family, and I ask them to take some comfort in knowing that Alick lived a life in service of others and of the community.
I offer my deepest condolences to Alick’s family and his many friends
Cecil Roach
Associate Director, Equitable Outcomes and Schools