Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards

Watch the Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards ceremony on the City’s Youtube Channel on Friday, December 10 at noon.

About The Awards

The City of Toronto’s Access, Equity and Human Rights (AEHR) Awards recognize people, organizations or programs that have created a more equitable city by advancing reconciliation and justice, addressing discrimination, and working to eliminate barriers to equality. The awards are community-driven, nominations come from Toronto residents and are selected by a panel made up of community members with expertise and knowledge of issues relevant to the award categories.

A virtual ceremony will take place on December 10, 2021, to coincide with International Human Rights Day. Tune in at 12 p.m. on the City’s Youtube Channel.

The recipients of the 2021 Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards are:

Each award recipient received an honorarium of $500.

The ceremony features remarks from Mayor John Tory and Bob Goulais, a sought after speaker and an Indigenous traditional teacher, as well as performances by Toronto-based artists OKAN and Jayli Wolf. It is hosted by the City of Toronto’s Chief People Officer Omo Akintan.

Honourable Mentions

The City recognizes the following nominations and thanks them for their contributions and impact:

  • 5n2
  • Aura Freedom
  • Black Urbanism TO
  • Caroline Tutakiewicz, Director, Strategic Programs Lead, RBC Ventures
  • Ciragh Lyons, Community Engagement & Events Manager, Pegasus
  • Danielle Strnad, Founder & Executive Director, DramaWay
  • David Steven Swann
  • Developing Young Leaders of Tomorrow, Today (DYLOTT)
  • Dr. Fariba Bashiri, President, Iranian Women’s Organization of Ontario
  • Hong Fook Mental Health Foundation
  • Ian White, President, CCB Toronto Visionaries Chapter, Canadian Council of the Blind
  • Melanie Taddeo, Founder, Connect 4 Life
  • Nina Zaslavsky, Board of Directors, North York Arts
  • Paul Taylor, Foodshare Toronto
  • Reelworld
  • Samuel Kisitu
  • Shreya Patel
  • Wendy Porch, Executive Director, Centre for Independent Living in Toronto

Mino Bimaadiziwin (Indigenous Award)

For those whose volunteer efforts have improved the well-being and advancement of the Indigenous community.

Disability Access Award

Given to a person, group or organization that has made a significant contribution towards improving access for people with disabilities.

Constance E. Hamilton Award for Women's Equality

Recognizes a resident whose actions have helped secure equitable treatment for women and gender non-conforming people in Toronto, either socially, economically or culturally.

Pride Award

Honours a person, group or non-profit organization that has made a significant or ongoing contribution to the well-being, advancement and inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Toronto.

William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award

Awarded to a resident or organization that has made a significant contribution to challenge racism and support a more harmonious city.

Past Recipients

Find out who has received an Access, Equity and Human Rights Award.