Toronto recognizes the contributions to improving human rights made by residents or groups through the Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards.

Each year, the City of Toronto honours human rights champions for working to eliminate violence, racism, sexism, homophobia, homelessness, hate crimes, hunger, poverty and illiteracy in Toronto. Recipients will be announced in due course, and the awards will be presented on December 4 at a ceremony to mark International Human Rights Day.

On December 5, 2012, five individuals and one organization were 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.

These awards are administered by the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights in the City Manager's Office.

	Constance E. Hamilton Award on the Status of Women Established in 1979, this Award was named after the first woman member of City Council, Constance E. Hamilton, elected in 1920. The Award commemorates the Privy Council decision of October 18, 1929, (now known as Persons Day) which recognized women as "persons" thereby permitting their involvement in all aspects of public life. The Award recognizes person(s) who have made a significant contribution to improving the social, economic, cultural and political status of women in Toronto and who have encouraged others in their efforts to achieve equality and to remove barriers. Nomination form
	Access Award The Access Award was established in 1982 and is given to a person, group or organization that has made a significant contribution towards improving access for people with disabilities in Toronto. "Access" can include designing new or renovated structures; an employment program; a transportation system; a recreational or leisure program; or anything that contributes significantly to people with disabilities living independently. Nomination form
	William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations Established in 1989, this Award was named in honour of Toronto's first African-Canadian Councillor – William P. Hubbard – who was first elected in 1894. The City gives this Award to a person or persons whose outstanding achievement and commitment has fostered a positive race relations environment in Toronto and has encouraged others to become actively involved in the elimination of racism and prejudice. Nomination form
	Pride Award for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual and Two Spirited Issues The Pride Award was established in 2003 to mark the thirtieth anniversary of Toronto City Council's decision to adopt a human rights policy to provide protection on the basis of sexual orientation. This Award honours the volunteer contributions of person(s) or organizations whose efforts have been significant for the well being and advancement of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual and two spirited community in Toronto. Nomination form
	Aboriginal Affairs Award The Aboriginal Affairs Award was established in 2003 to honour the volunteer contributions made by person(s) or organizations and whose efforts have made or are making a significant or ongoing contribution to the well-being and advancement of the Aboriginal community in Toronto. These contributions can be made for services or advocacy work on issues such as health, shelter work, street work, governance and self determination, human rights or cultural activities. Nomination form

For more information contact:
Equity, Diversity and Human Rights
City Manager's Office
Toronto City Hall
11th floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON  M5H 2N2

E-mail: diversity@toronto.ca
Tel: 416-392-8592
Fax: 416-696-4174

For TTY service call 416-338-0889.
Multilingual Services, call 311.