Toronto - On Monday, December 10, Mayor David Miller and Members of Toronto City Council will honour the recipients of the 2007 Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards at a ceremony in the City Hall Council Chamber. Nine residents and two organizations will be recognized for their ongoing efforts to build a city where everyone can participate fully in the social, cultural, economic, recreational and political life of Toronto. Their work has contributed to the elimination of violence, racism, sexism, homophobia, homelessness, hate crimes, hunger, poverty and illiteracy.

Aboriginal Affairs Award

  • Elder Vern Harper, for ongoing advocacy on behalf of the First Nations and for promoting the role of First Nations spirituality and traditions in education and mental health institutions.

    Access Award for Disability Issues
  • Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre, for on-going advocacy efforts and support services to psychiatric survivors and marginalized persons and to support independent living.

    Constance E. Hamilton Award on the Status of Women
  • June Larkin, for her leadership in equity and women’s studies, her commitment to a learning environment that embraces diversity and connects the university to the community.
  • Helen Liu, for her advocacy efforts on behalf of marginalized workers and public education efforts to ensure that workers know about their human rights.
  • Beverley Wybrow, for her contributions as a feminist activist and leader at the local and national level to raise funds for programs to benefit women.

    Pride Award for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Two Spirited Issues
  • Deb Parent for her leadership role and her work as a lesbian activist through the establishment of services and programs.
  • Rupert Raj for his long term volunteer contributions and advocacy role as a Trans activist.
  • Central Toronto Youth Services, The Pride and Prejudice Program for their services, public education and advocacy role focusing on the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transgender youth.

    William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations
  • Afua Cooper, for her local and national leadership role in creating an understanding and awareness of African and Black history.
  • Anne Gloger, for her pioneering community-based work in promoting cross cultural understanding and positive race relations.
  • Kevin Lee, for his leadership, advocacy and innovation in establishing programs and partnerships on a local and citywide basis to improve opportunities and remove barriers.

    Recipients are available for interviews. Full biographies and award descriptions are available at www.toronto.ca/civicawards.

    This annual ceremony marks December 10, Human Rights Day, when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The Declaration recognizes the inherent dignity and equal and intrinsic rights of all people.

    Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.