City of Toronto announces 2021 Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards recipients

The City of Toronto has named the recipients of the 2021 Access, Equity and Human Rights (AEHR) Awards, which 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 five award recipients are:

• Dr. Ruth Green – Mino Bimaadiziwin Award (Indigenous Award): An anti-violence advocate, researcher, community-based educator and published scholar from the Mohawk Nation and member of the Turtle Clan.
• Tangled Art + Disability – Disability Access Award: A Toronto-based, globally recognized and disability-led non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing opportunities for artists with disabilities.
• Cathy Lace – Constance E. Hamilton Award for Women’s Equality: A lawyer and advocate who has dedicated her career to advancing equity issues and is a leader in the fight for pay equity.
• Ranjith P. Kulatilake – Pride Award: A community builder and advocate for equality and 2SLGBTQ+ rights whose work has aided hundreds of newcomers facing significant barriers coming to Toronto.
• Abdifatah Hussein – William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award: A community organizer, activist and spoken word artist from Scarborough with a deep passion for creating platforms and connections within his community, and co-founder of Hidaayah House.

At noon today, International Human Rights Day, the five recipients were honoured in a virtual ceremony, which is available to watch on the City’s YouTube Channel

The AEHR Awards are community-driven, with nominations submitted by the public. Recipients are selected by an independent panel of community members with relevant expertise and knowledge of the subject for each award category. The Constance E. Hamilton Award is selected by the female members of City Council.

More information about the Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards, including recipient biographies, is available here

Quotes:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of this year’s Access, Equity and Human Rights Award recipients. Their inspiring work and leadership sets an example for us all and is driving positive change by helping our city become more equitable and inclusive for Toronto’s many diverse communities.”

–  Mayor John Tory

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca