Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards

Nominations for 2021 are now closed. Winners will be notified and announced later this fall.

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 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.

This year’s awards ceremony will be held on December 10, 2021, to coincide with Human Rights Day.

Application Timeline

Nominations open: June 10, 2021

Nomination deadline: August 27, 2021 at 5 p.m. – Deadline extended! 

Awards ceremony will be held virtually on December 10, 2021

Application Process

Applicants may nominate themselves or another candidate, with their consent.

  • Complete the application form
  • Include two letters of reference that highlight the nominee(s)’s skills and experience from someone with direct knowledge of the nominee(s)
  • Include a biography/profile of nominee
  • Indicate consent and verification from nominee
  • This application has one (1) question (up to 500 words) about why the nominee is deserving of an award
  • The award is open to residents of Toronto or non-profit organizations that provide a program or service

The Awards categories are:

  • Mino Bimaadiziwin Award (Indigenous Award)
  • Disability Access Award
  • Constance E. Hamilton Award for Women’s Equality
  • Pride Award
  • William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award

Please note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Each award recipient will receive an honorarium of $500.

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.