Media Advisory: Toronto Police Chief William Blair Takes Top Honours in Diversity Leadership

TORONTO, March 19, 2012 /CNW/ - The Diversity Business Network recognizes Toronto Police Chief William Blair as the 2012 Canadian Diversity Leadership Award winner. The award recognizes an individual or organization who is a 'Champion' for diversity and has also achieved success in implementation of diversity strategies to achieve organizational goals.

As one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto's Chief Blair has built an organization reflective of the cities motto "Diversity Our Strength".  His accomplishments and success in making diversity a core cornerstone is a beacon to other Canadian organizations in both the public and private sector.

"Chief Blair has set a benchmark for diversity achievement as Chief of Police of Toronto," states Courtney Betty, President and Founder of DBN. "The service and commitment infused within the Toronto Police Services in cultural diversity and representation reflects Blair's overall contribution in building a police force that will grow with this world-class City."

Stephen Frost, Head of Diversity for London 2012 Olympic Games will present the award to Chief Blair at the Canadian Supplier Diversity Conference 2012. The conference will be held at the Allstream Center at Exhibition Place on Friday, March 23, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Canadian Supplier Diversity Conference 2012 brings together international and local diversity experts to examine the economic contribution of diversity to the Canadian economy.

His pro-active approach to diversity leadership includes the development of community partnerships and recruitment programs ensuring that the Toronto Police Service reflects Canada's diverse communities. Chief Blair is more than just a Canadian role model - he is a true Canadian Diversity Leader.

William Blair was appointed Chief of the Toronto Police Service on April 26, 2005.  The Toronto Police Service employs over 5500 police officers and 2200 civilian employees, the largest municipal police service in Canada and one of the largest in North America.  The City of Toronto is a vibrant city covering 636 square kilometres with a diverse population of more than 2,600,000 people.

In the areas of promoting diversity in the workplace and commitment to building positive and functional relationships with the diverse communities of Toronto, Chief Blair has an outstanding record of achievement that continues to be the foundation for organizational success in reducing violence and crime across the city and helping communities to mobilize their resources to improve the quality of life in their neighbourhood.

About The Canadian Supplier Diversity Conference 2012

The theme of this year's event is Diversity Our Economic Strength. The location is the Allstream Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto. The date is Friday, March 23, 2012. The conference runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The presenting sponsor is RBC.  Visit http://www.diversitybusinessnetwork.com/conference to learn more.

For more information, to arrange an interview or to attend program on location as media observer please contact:

Lowell Hall, LH Metropolis Communications
Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]

Courtney Betty, B.A., LL.B. JD.
President and CEO, Diversity Business Network (DBN)
Website: www.diversitybusinessnetwork.com
Email: [email protected]
Tel: O. 416-968-1181 | f. 416-968-7619