GEDAC Agenda 1 Tuesday, November 3, 2015
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF GEORGINA IN THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK
GEORGINA EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
AGENDA Tuesday, November 3, 2015 4:30 p.m The LINK 1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. INTRODUCTION OF ADDENDUM ITEMS
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Pages 1-6 Tuesday October 6, 2015
7. CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS ON THE AGENDA
8. COMMUNICATIONS
(a) Multi-Cultural Reference Group. Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Cultural Services to provide update if available.
(1) General Information Items
Pages 7-9 (a) Artists and Advocates to Join in Challenging Attitudes on Sexual Violence and Harassment
Pages 10-12 (b) Ontario Releases Social Assistance Management System Transition Plan
Pages 13-15 (c) Ontario Strengthening Laws to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment
Pages 16-18 (d) Ontario's Gathering Rooms - A First For The Province
GEDAC Agenda 2 Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Pages 19-20 (e) Winners Announced for Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.
Pages 21-22 (f) Young Aboriginal Writers Receive James Bartleman Award
(2) Disposition Items
(b) Inclusivity Action Plan (IAP). Presentation by Chair, Karen McGill and Vice Chair Courtney Baumhard to provide group with progress report for former IAP sub-committee for year 2014
(c) Music in the Streets – update. Committtee Services Coordinator lef voice mail for Connors Music to advising them of GEDAC’s interst. No reponse received to date. Committee to discuss next steps.
(d) Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Cultural Services to present refreshed Diversity PDF (GEDAC Flyer).
(e) Georgina Island - Step one, making contact. Staff directed to contact Georgina Island to arrange visit. No updates at this time
(f) Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Cultural Services to present with respect to costs of pull up banner costs, posters other formats for welcome campaign.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
(1) Meetings for 2016 – Committee to determine dates for 2016 meetings.
10. MOTION TO ADJOURN GEDAC Minutes 1 Tuesday, October 6, 2015
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF GEORGINA IN THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK
GEORGINA EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES Tuesday, October 6, 2015 4:30 p.m Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER 4:30 pm
2. ROLL CALL
The following Committee members were present: Regional Councilor Danny Wheeler Courtney Baumhard Karen McGill Alicia Lauzon Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist, YRP
The following Committee member was absent with regrets: Jeanne Faria Heather Kemp
The following staff members were in attendance: Sarah Brislin, Committee Services Coordinator Cathy Tustin, Human Resources Generalist
The following staff member was absent with regrets: Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Cultural Services
3. INTRODUCTION OF ADDENDUM ITEMS - none
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Regional Councilor Wheeler, Seconded by Courtney Baumhard
RESOLUTION NO. GEDAC-2015-0025
That the agenda for October 6, 2015 be approved as presented.
Carried.
5. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - none
Page 1 of 23 GEDAC Minutes 2 Tuesday, October 6, 2015
6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Tuesday September 1, 2015
Moved by Courtney Baumhard, Seconded by Alicia Lauzon
RESOLUTION NO. GEDAC-2015-0026
That the minutes of the Georgina Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee for the meeting held on Tuesday September 1, 2015 be adopted.
Carried.
7. CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS ON THE AGENDA
8. COMMUNICATIONS
(1) General Information Items
(a) Ervu.
(b) Sexual Violence Investigating and Adjudication Training. http://www.senecacollege.ca/asca‐training/index.html
(c) Statement from Premier and Francophone Affairs Minister on Franco-Ontario Day.
(d) Help Develop Ontario's First Culture Strategy.
(e) Ontario Expands Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence.
(f) Ontario Pilot Program Provides Work Experience and Career Coaching.
(g) Province Will Help Bring Up To 10 000 Refugees to Ontario by End of 2016.
(h) Ontario Supporting Community Efforts to Prevent Youth Suicides
(i) Ontario Investing $6 Million in Cultural Tourism
(j) Premier Recognizes Outstanding Contribution to Adult Literacy
Moved by Courtney Baumhard Seconded by Alicia Lauzon
RESOLUTION NO. GEDAC-2015-0027
Page 2 of 23 GEDAC Minutes 3 Tuesday, October 6, 2015
That Georgina Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee receive General Information Items 8.(1)(a) to (j) as information.
Carried
(2) Disposition Items
(a) Inclusivity Action Plan (IAP). Presentation by Chair, Karen McGill and Vice Chair Courtney Baumhard to provide group with progress report for former IAP sub-committee for year 2014
Moved by Courtney Baumhard Seconded by Alicia Lauzon
RESOLUTION NO. GEDAC-2015-0028
That the Georgina Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee defer the Inclusivity Action Plan presentation to subsequent meeting.
Carried.
(b) GEDAC budget.
Georgina Equity and Diversity 2015 budget 2016 proposed Advisory Committee budget
Honorariums $ 6,400.00 $ 2,400.00(6 members @ (16members @ $40/mtg x 10) $40/mtg x 10)
Publications and Subscriptions $ 100.00 $ 100.00
Conferences & Conventions $ 300.00 $ 1,000.00
Travel and Expenses $ 700.00 $ 1000.00
Miscellaneous $ 750.00 $ 550.00
Advertising $1,000.00 $ 2,000.00
Total: $ 9,250.00 $ 7,050.00
Noted changes include a reduction in Honorariums because the member construction was reduced under the revised Terms of Reference. The Georgina Equity and Diversity Committee’s first meeting was June 23rd, due to the delay in selecting committee members for non-statutory advisory committees.
Page 3 of 23 GEDAC Minutes 4 Tuesday, October 6, 2015
A total of four meetings have been held and two more are expected to be held by the end of year. The committee has dedicated themselves to identifying goals and developing a work plan for 2016. The proposed budget reflects the future plans of the committee.
The committee believes attending and participating in established events celebrating culture and diversity would be of great benefit. The committee members are currently researching upcoming conferences and events aligning with their mandate that they could participate in. The committee will strive to partner with other groups and participate at conferences and events which will give the committee greater exposure. To participate in more events the committee requests an increase in funds for conferences and conventions as well as travel. As the committee is no longer planning to host an event the request for miscellaneous funds has been reduced. Additionally the committee has found success in the past with promotional and awareness based efforts, including the ‘Welcome Banner Campaign’ and swag handouts. To continue promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in Georgina the Committee would like to increase their budget in advertising.
With the exception of the Honorariums, the Committee has not spent much of funds allocated from 2015, due to a late start and a one month summer recess. Staff request on the Committee’s behalf that Council take this into consideration with respect to the 2016 budget request.
Moved by Courtney Baumhard Seconded by Alicia Lauzon
RESOLUTION NO. GEDAC-2015-0029
That the Georgina Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee receive item 8.(2)(b) as information and further request Committee Services Coordinator, Sarah Brislin invite a representative from Connors Music to present information to the Committee at subsequent meeting regarding their annual Music in the Streets festival.
Carried. (c) November Meeting at the Link. Motion for next meeting to be held at the Link.
Moved by Courtney Baumhard Seconded by Alicia Lauzon
RESOLUTION NO. GEDAC-2015-0030
Page 4 of 23 GEDAC Minutes 5 Tuesday, October 6, 2015
That the Georgina Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee hold their next meeting at the Link.
Carried.
(d) Multi-Cultural Reference Group. Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Cultural Services to provide update if available.
Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Cultural Services, absent with regrets.
(e) Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Cultural Services to present refreshed Diversity PDF (GEDAC Flyer).
Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Cultural Services, absent with regrets.
Moved by Courtney Baumhard Seconded by Alicia Lauzon
RESOLUTION NO. GEDAC-2015-0031
That the Georgina Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee defer item 8(2)(d) to subsequent meeting.
Carried.
(f) Work Plan Review. Georgina Island - Step one, making contact. Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Cultural Services to present with respect to costs of pull up banner costs, posters other formats for welcome campaign.
Moved by Courtney Baumhard Seconded by Alicia Lauzon
RESOLUTION NO. GEDAC-2015-0032
That the Georgina Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee (GEDAC)
1. Request staff contact Georgina Island to discuss visit for the Committee to the Island. 2. Defer presentation respecting costs of welcome campaign pull up banners, posters and other formats. 3. Express interest in participating in 2 events for 2016 including: the Town Hall Canada Day Celebrations as well as the Music in the Streets Festival. 4. Participate in 2 events for 2016 including: the Town Hall Canada Day Celebrations as well as the Music in the Streets Festival. Provided the hosts are interested in having GEDAC involved.
Page 5 of 23 GEDAC Minutes 6 Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Carried.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
10. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Courtney Baumhard, Seconded by Regional Councilor Wheeler
RESOLUTION NO. GEDAC-2015-0024
That the October 6, 2015 meeting of the Georgina Equity and Diversity Committee be adjourned at 5:10 pm.
Carried.
______Karen McGill Chair ______C. Sarah A. Brislin Committee Services Coordinator
Page 6 of 23 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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News Release
Ontario Strengthening Laws to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment
October 27, 2015
Proposed Legislation Would Help Make Workplaces, Campuses and Communities Safer
Ontario is introducing legislation today that would help build a province where everyone is free from the threat of sexual violence and harassment, and would strengthen support for survivors.
The legislation would help deliver on commitments in It's Never Okay, the government's ground-breaking action plan to stop sexual violence and harassment. If passed, the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act would make workplaces, campuses and communities safer and more responsive to the needs of survivors and to complaints about sexual violence and harassment. The Act would:
Require every publicly assisted college and university and private career college to have a stand-alone sexual violence policy and to review it -- with student involvement -- at least once every three years Enhance requirements for sexual harassment prevention programs and create specific employer duties to protect workers, including a duty to ensure that incidents and complaints are appropriately investigated Remove the limitation period for all civil proceedings based on sexual assault -- and, in certain cases, sexual misconduct or assault -- so that survivors can bring their civil claims forward whenever they choose to do so Eliminate the limitation period for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence to make a compensation application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board Shorten the time it takes to end a tenancy agreement for people experiencing sexual or domestic violence, to make it easier for survivors to flee abuse.
Ontario is supporting these priorities through a broad-based action plan that includes increased and stabilized funding to community-based sexual assault centres and hospital-based sexual assault and domestic violence treatment centres. The government is also running a province-wide public education campaign to promote a shift in attitudes and behaviours, and recently announced a $2.25 million Creative Engagement Fund to challenge rape culture through artistic projects.
1 Page 7 of 23 Supporting survivors of sexual violence and creating a safer, more inclusive and more equitable province is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUICK FACTS
One in three women in Canada will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime.
Sexual assault victimization rates are five times higher for women under the age of 35.
28 per cent of Canadians say they have been on the receiving end of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours or sexually charged talk while on the job.
The government has committed $41 million over three years to support the Action Plan’s implementation.
Through a $3 million Innovation Fund, Ontario is supporting new, creative projects to enhance community support for survivors of sexual violence.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act
Information for Tenants: Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan
Information for Landlords: Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Read It’s Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment
Download a summary of the 13 concrete measures included in the action plan, available in 27 languages
Apply for the Innovation Fund
QUOTES
2 Page 8 of 23 "Many women in Ontario do not feel safe, and that is unacceptable. These legislative proposals would put the strength of the law behind our commitment to make communities, schools, and workplaces safer, and that is an important part of our roadmap to end sexual violence and harassment in this province." — Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
"We are committed to creating a province where all Ontarians feel secure from the threat of sexual violence and harassment. This legislation, if passed, would give survivors the supports they need while keeping our campuses, workplaces and communities safe." — Tracy MacCharles, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues
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3 Page 9 of 23 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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News Release
Ontario Releases Social Assistance Management System Transition Plan
October 21, 2015
Plan Implementation to be Complete By Spring 2016
Ontario has released a transition plan to address all outstanding issues related to the initial launch of the province's Social Assistance Management System (SAMS).
The transition plan was developed with the advice of municipalities, unions and front-line staff. It addresses all 19 recommendations identified in an independent report released by PwC earlier this year.
Since the release of its independent report, PwC has completed an additional follow-up assessment. PwC has found that:
The transition plan reflects the 19 recommendations from the earlier PwC report and positions the province to deliver an effective case management tool that supports clients’ complex and changing needs Partners including front-line staff and managers have noted that SAMS has stabilized and performance slowdowns have been reduced Steps the province has taken to date have had a positive impact on the SAMS transition, including increased staff training The province has implemented more clearly defined timelines, deliverables and measurements to ensure progress Partners have seen marked improvement in communications and engagement from the province, and recognize that improvements will be ongoing.
In collaboration with its union, service delivery and front-line partners, the province has already made progress on the transition plan, with all 19 recommendations, as well as additional suggestions identified in PwC’s follow-up assessment, underway, scheduled or fully implemented.
1 Page 10 of 23 The province also continues to work with its front-line staff, service delivery and union partners to ensure early identification of, and rapid response to, any emerging issues.
QUICK FACTS
The total development and implementation costs of SAMS after completion of the transition plan are approximately $294 million, which is $451 million less than the development and implementation costs of its predecessor, Service Delivery Model Technology (SDMT), in 2015 dollars.
The total cost includes an additional $15.7 million more than was reported in January for transition costs such as IT staffing and support, as well as temporary front-line staffing support.
Also included in the total cost is an additional $5 million that was provided to support service delivery partners in March. The province continues to work with its municipal service delivery partners to assess and meet their needs.
Ontario has completed more than 90 per cent of the 57 priority tasks identified by the provincial Technical Working Group, which is a group of key stakeholder representatives that prioritizes and suggests technical improvements to SAMS functionality.
SAMS has successfully processed seven million payments for nearly 900,000 social assistance clients since it was implemented in 2014.
Technical issues that caused overpayments in late 2014 have been fixed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Modernizing Ontario's Social Assistance System
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Social Assistance Management System Integrated Transition Plan
QUOTES
"Guided by the PwC report, our delivery partners, front-line staff and project team have put us on the right track. Thanks to their dedication, we will continue to work towards achieving the goals of the transition plan.
2 Page 11 of 23 Ontarians will ultimately be able to realize the tremendous value of SAMS in helping to deliver improved client services that were not possible without 21st century technology." — Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services
"The integrated plan does reflect the 19 recommendations from the April PwC report and will position the ministry to achieve its desired objectives of business recovery. The ministry has put into place greater structure and discipline to guide transition activities. This is greatly appreciated by stakeholders." — PwC’s “Health Check” follow-up assessment,
"I can say that in terms of SAMS, we are in a much better place today. This is due, in large part, to the province making a concerted effort to work with OMSSA, our members and the sector on getting SAMS right. As partners, we are both committed to doing what is best for Ontario’s most vulnerable. We look forward to continuing this partnership in our efforts to find the best way forward for our clients and OMSSA members." — Keith Palmer, President of the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association and Director of Community Services for the County of Dufferin
"While the initial transition to SAMS had significant challenges, I have noticed a substantial positive change in supports for front-line staff such as the helpline, improvements to functionality in SAMS, gains in front-line staff knowledge as a result of training provided, and a significant improvement in staff morale since the implementation of the SAMS Social Assistance Integrated Transition Plan." — Meaghan Hysert , Manager, Ontario Disability Support Program
CONTACTS
Alissa Von Bargen Minister’s Office 416-325-5450
Daniel Schultz Communications Branch 416-212-3325
Ministry of Community and Social Services http://www.ontario.ca/community
3 Page 12 of 23 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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News Release
Ontario Strengthening Laws to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment
October 27, 2015
Proposed Legislation Would Help Make Workplaces, Campuses and Communities Safer
Ontario is introducing legislation today that would help build a province where everyone is free from the threat of sexual violence and harassment, and would strengthen support for survivors.
The legislation would help deliver on commitments in It's Never Okay, the government's ground-breaking action plan to stop sexual violence and harassment. If passed, the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act would make workplaces, campuses and communities safer and more responsive to the needs of survivors and to complaints about sexual violence and harassment. The Act would:
Require every publicly assisted college and university and private career college to have a stand-alone sexual violence policy and to review it -- with student involvement -- at least once every three years Enhance requirements for sexual harassment prevention programs and create specific employer duties to protect workers, including a duty to ensure that incidents and complaints are appropriately investigated Remove the limitation period for all civil proceedings based on sexual assault -- and, in certain cases, sexual misconduct or assault -- so that survivors can bring their civil claims forward whenever they choose to do so Eliminate the limitation period for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence to make a compensation application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board Shorten the time it takes to end a tenancy agreement for people experiencing sexual or domestic violence, to make it easier for survivors to flee abuse.
Ontario is supporting these priorities through a broad-based action plan that includes increased and stabilized funding to community-based sexual assault centres and hospital-based sexual assault and domestic violence treatment centres. The government is also running a province-wide public education campaign to promote a shift in attitudes and behaviours, and recently announced a $2.25 million Creative Engagement Fund to challenge rape culture through artistic projects.
1 Page 13 of 23 Supporting survivors of sexual violence and creating a safer, more inclusive and more equitable province is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUICK FACTS
One in three women in Canada will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime.
Sexual assault victimization rates are five times higher for women under the age of 35.
28 per cent of Canadians say they have been on the receiving end of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours or sexually charged talk while on the job.
The government has committed $41 million over three years to support the Action Plan’s implementation.
Through a $3 million Innovation Fund, Ontario is supporting new, creative projects to enhance community support for survivors of sexual violence.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act
Information for Tenants: Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan
Information for Landlords: Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Read It’s Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment
Download a summary of the 13 concrete measures included in the action plan, available in 27 languages
Apply for the Innovation Fund
QUOTES
2 Page 14 of 23 "Many women in Ontario do not feel safe, and that is unacceptable. These legislative proposals would put the strength of the law behind our commitment to make communities, schools, and workplaces safer, and that is an important part of our roadmap to end sexual violence and harassment in this province." — Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
"We are committed to creating a province where all Ontarians feel secure from the threat of sexual violence and harassment. This legislation, if passed, would give survivors the supports they need while keeping our campuses, workplaces and communities safe." — Tracy MacCharles, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues
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© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2008 - 2015
99 Wellesley Street West 4th floor, Room 4620 Toronto ON M7A 1A1
3 Page 15 of 23 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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News Release
Ontario's "Gathering Rooms" A First For The Province
October 23, 2015
An Ongoing Commitment To Strengthening Relationships With Aboriginal Peoples
New ceremonies meeting rooms are part of Ontario's efforts towards reconciliation and a stronger relationship with Aboriginal partners.
Called "The Gathering Rooms," they are the first of their kind in Ontario and offer a space to conduct meetings using traditional Aboriginal ceremonies. A dedicated ventilation system will safely allow smudging practices, including the burning of traditional medicines such as sweetgrass, sage, cedar and tobacco.
The new space is part of Ontario's ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal partners, a key part of the government's Treaty Strategy. The Strategy is aimed at improving socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal peoples through stronger partnerships and engagement with Aboriginal communities and a greater awareness of the importance of treaties.
The Gathering Rooms also provide Ontario Public Service staff with an opportunity to learn about First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures and traditions. Many of the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission refer to the importance of education, and building a stronger awareness of our shared history.
Building positive relationships with Aboriginal peoples is part of the government's plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUICK FACTS
Smudging is a traditional ceremony practised by some Aboriginal cultures to purify the mind, body and spirit.
1 Page 16 of 23 Sweetgrass and sage are the medicines that will be used most in The Gathering Rooms. Tobacco and cedar may be used for other traditional ceremonies including pipe ceremonies.
The rooms have a separate ventilation system that meets or exceeds building code requirements.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Read about the Political Accord.
Join the #TreatyON conversation on Twitter to learn more about the treaty relationship.
QUOTES
"With the opening of the Gathering Rooms, we are acknowledging and embracing the Aboriginal experience and supporting our work to enhance Aboriginal voices within government. It is but one of many steps on our journey of healing and reconciliation and reflects our government’s commitment to work with Ontario’s Aboriginal communities as partners, creating a better future for everyone in our province." — Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
"This new space will help us set the tone for meetings that are more respectful and more productive. Stronger relationships with Aboriginal partners will lead to better outcomes for Aboriginal peoples and more opportunities for all Ontarians." — David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
"It is really wonderful to have a space like this. Ceremonies such as smudging are practised by some Aboriginal cultures to purify thoughts and spaces. Before meetings, it can help create a positive mindset and that is an important part of communication." — Shelley Charles, Traditional Teacher
CONTACTS
Flavia Mussio Media Contact 416-314-9455 [email protected]
2 Page 17 of 23 Scott Cavan Minister’s Office 416-314-6212 [email protected]
Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs http://www.ontario.ca/aboriginal
MULTIMEDIA AND ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT
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3 Page 18 of 23 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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News Release
Winners Announced for Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts
October 21, 2015
Ontario Recognizes Outstanding Artists and Arts Organizations
Ontario celebrated the winners of the ninth annual Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts at a ceremony last night at the Royal Ontario Museum. Each year, the awards program honours Ontario artists and arts organizations for their remarkable achievements and contribution to arts and culture.
Jane Bunnett, an internationally acclaimed flutist, saxophonist, pianist and composer, won the Individual Artist Award. Ms. Bunnett has received many awards throughout her career, including multiple JUNO awards, a Canadian Urban Music Award and a Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Soulpepper Theatre Company, Toronto's largest non-profit theatre, was the winner of the Arts Organization Award. Soulpepper has an integrated mission that includes youth outreach initiatives and artist training through the Soulpepper Academy, Canada's only two-year paid training program for theatre artists of all disciplines.
The Emerging Artist of the Year honour went to Christopher Butcher, a trombone player and co-leader of a brass band. He is an accomplished musician who has played in the bands of many of Canada's most prestigious artists.
Fostering a thriving arts and culture sector is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUICK FACTS
The Premier’s Awards are open to artists and arts organizations engaged in any professional arts practice in Ontario whose artistic work or service spans at least 10 years.
1 Page 19 of 23 The awards are administered by the Ontario Arts Council. Winners are selected by jury, and the Emerging Artist of the Year is chosen by the winner of the Individual Artist Award.
Nominations for the 2016 awards are being accepted until December 1, 2015. Any Ontario resident may submit a nomination.
Ontario is home to 58,000 professional artists — nearly twice as many as any other province.
The culture sector generates nearly $22 billion annually for Ontario’s economy and supports about 280,000 jobs.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Share your input this fall as Ontario works to develop its first culture strategy
See a list of this year’s awards finalists
Find out who the winners and finalists were in previous years
QUOTES
"The arts have enormous benefits for our province’s economy and make a profound and meaningful difference in people’s lives. It is an honour to recognize the gifted winners and finalists of this year’s Premier’s Awards for their inspirational work and passion for excellence." — Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
"The Premier’s Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ontario’s artists and arts organizations and their contributions to our rich cultural diversity. Congratulations to this year’s winners and finalists and thank you for sharing your creativity and talent with us." — Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
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2 Page 20 of 23 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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News Release
Young Aboriginal Writers Receive James Bartleman Award
October 26, 2015
Young Aboriginal Writers Receive James Bartleman Award
Ontario is honouring six young Aboriginal writers from across the province with the James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award.
The award celebrates Aboriginal youth for their creative writing efforts and provides an opportunity for them to showcase their work to a broader audience. The 2015 award recipients are:
Leera Beardy for her essay about living in Ontario's North Emily Mandamin for her poem about missing her mother Darienne Martin for her poem expressing her passion for her culture Rachel Otis for her poem about the true meaning of home Catherine Porte for her short story about a girl who uncovers her Aboriginal heritage in a surprising way Justice Ryan for her comic about a young girl's escape from a residential school.
The awards were presented at a Queen's Park ceremony today by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario; the Honourable James Bartleman, 27th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade.
QUICK FACTS
The Ontario Government created the James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award in 2008 to honour the province’s 27th and first Aboriginal Lieutenant Governor. Bartleman implemented four literacy initiatives for Aboriginal youth across Ontario during his time in office.
Nominations are now open for next year’s awards. The closing date for submissions is May 31, 2016.
1 Page 21 of 23 Eligible participants must be 18 years of age or younger at the time they submit an entry, enrolled in an Ontario school, self-identify as an Aboriginal person, and be a permanent resident of Ontario.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Nominate an Aboriginal youth for a Bartleman Award.
QUOTES
"Each of these young writers has a unique perspective and compelling voice. They all are wonderful examples of the diversity and richness of experience that is so essential to the cultural fabric of Ontario. I encourage each of the winners to continue sharing their stories." — The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
"I’m thrilled to see these talented young writers recognized today. They each have a story to tell that was shaped by their culture and community. Their ability to connect with us and share those stories through poetry and prose is exciting and inspiring." — The Honourable James K. Bartleman, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
"The Bartleman Awards present an excellent opportunity for young Aboriginal writers to be recognized for their literary talents. I hope this recognition inspires them to keep writing and expressing themselves through their words." — Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade
CONTACTS
John Gross Office of the Lieutenant Governor 416-325-7786
Bryan Leblanc Minister’s Office 416 325-0208
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