City of Toronto celebrates human rights champions

TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The City of Toronto honoured five individuals and one organization last night at the Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards, held in the Council Chamber of City Hall.

"Toronto City Council is often at the forefront of social justice issues for the simple reason that it has the most direct contact with citizens," said Councillor Mike Layton, who brought greetings on behalf of Mayor Ford and City Council. "Direct contact provides the best opportunity for citizens to engage government, and to change society for the better."

The 2012 recipients of the City of Toronto Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards are:
Aboriginal Affairs Award - Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto
Access Award - Archie Allison
Constance E. Hamilton Award on the Status of Women - Carolyn Egan and Ceta Ramkhalawansingh
Pride Award - Martine Stonehouse
William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations - Teferi Adem

"These five awards are a testimony to the resilience of the residents of Toronto who continue their struggle to build an equitable and just society," said City Manager Joseph Pennachetti. "Together we fulfill our vision of making the City of Toronto a global example of diversity, equity and inclusion."

The awards were presented by the City Manager along with Councillors Mike Layton (Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina), Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale), Adam Vaughan (Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina), Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale), Joe Mihevc (Ward 21 St. Paul's) and Paula Fletcher (Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth).

The annual ceremony marks Human Rights Day - December 10 - and celebrates advances in human rights in Toronto. December is also the month in which the City proclaims International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (December 6).

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SOURCE: City of Toronto

Media contact: David Clark, Communications Advisor, Strategic Communications, 416-392-7542, [email protected]