TORONTO -- Ontario will mark the 50th anniversary of
the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a special
human rights award, Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation Isabel
Bassett announced last night.
"The 50th anniversary year is a time for Ontarians to re-commit
ourselves to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to its key
principle that all individuals deserve to be treated in a way that
respects their inherent dignity and worth," said Minister Bassett.
She made the announcement at the sixth annual new pioneers awards
ceremony sponsored by Skills for Change, a community organization
concerned with employment-related issues for immigrants and refugees. Six
newcomers to Canada were recognized for outstanding achievement.
Criteria for the human rights award are in development and will be made
public later this spring. Other provinces, the federal government, the
United Nations and countries around the world are also developing special
commemorative activities.
"Ontario has played a defining role in the history of human rights
in Canada, and will continue that legacy," Minister Bassett added. In
1962, Ontario became the first jurisdiction in Canada to enact a human
rights code and establish a commission to enforce it.
