Jennifer Tory

Regional President, RBC Royal Bank

Jennifer Tory leads a team of 4,000 employees as Regional President, Greater Toronto Region, providing financial advice and services to RBC’s personal, small business and commercial clients. With a long history of supporting numerous community causes, Ms. Tory is currently on the board of Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto International Film Festival, and Toronto Board of Trade. Ms. Tory is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion and is a recipient of the 2011 Catalyst Canada Honour for Championing Women in Business.

Since joining RBC in 1978, Ms. Tory has held a variety of senior leadership and executive sales management positions in personal, business and commercial banking. Immediately prior to her current position Ms. Tory was Senior Vice President of Operations for Canadian Banking RBC. Ms. Tory is a graduate of Queen’s University and has completed her ICD.D designation through the Institute of Corporate Directors at The Rotman School of Management. She and her two daughters reside in Toronto.

David Suzuki

Scientist, Environmentalist and Broadcaster

David Suzuki, Co-Founder of the David Suzuki Foundation, is an award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster. He is renowned for his radio and television programs that explain the complexities of the natural sciences in a compelling, easily understood way. Dr. Suzuki is a geneticist. He graduated from Amherst College (Massachusetts) in 1958 with an Honours BA in Biology, followed by a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Chicago in 1961. He held a research associateship in the Biology Division of Tennessee’s Oak Ridge National Lab (1961 – 62), was an Assistant Professor in Genetics at the University of Alberta (1962 – 63), and since then has been a faculty member of the University of British Columbia. He is now Professor Emeritus at UBC.

In 1972, he was awarded the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship for the outstanding research scientist in Canada under the age of 35 and held it for three years. He has won numerous academic awards and holds 25 honourary degrees in Canada, the U.S. and Australia. He was elected to the Royal Society of Canada and is a Companion of the Order of Canada. Dr. Suzuki has written 52 books, including 19 for children. His 1976 textbook An Introduction to Genetic Analysis (with A.J.F. Griffiths), remains the most widely used genetics text book in the U.S. and has been translated into Italian, Spanish, Greek, Indonesian, Arabic, French and German. Dr. Suzuki is also recognized as a world leader in sustainable ecology. He is the recipient of UNESCO’s Kalinga Prize for Science, the United Nations Environment Program Medal, UNEPs Global 500 and in 2009 won the Right Livelihood Award that is considered the Alternative Nobel Prize.

Anne-Marie Mediwake

Host, CBC News Toronto

Dwight Drummond

Host, CBC News Toronto

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Belinda Stronach

Founder, Belinda Stronach Foundation

Belinda Caroline Stronach is a business and public leader who is focused on developing economic opportunity and quality of life both at home and abroad, and on finding innovative solutions to the challenges of poverty. In 2008, she established The Belinda Stronach Foundation to provide educational opportunities for young women and Aboriginal youth, and to improve the lives of young people in developing nations. In keeping with its mandate to assist Aboriginal youth, the Foundation introduced the One Laptop per Child Program to Canada in 2010, an initiative that combines leadingedge technology with culturally relevant programming to deliver a unique platform of learning tools to Aboriginal children.

Through this program, up to 5,000 laptops will be provided to children aged six to twelve in Aboriginal communities across Canada. Also in 2010, the Foundation launched the G(irls)20 Summit, a global forum modeled after the G20 that brought together one girl from each of the G20 countries and one girl from Africa. The G(irls)20 Summit focuses on the economic prowess of the 3.3 billion girls and women in the world and the importance of their inclusion to build strong economies and politically stable countries.

Senator Anne Cools

Canadian Senator, Trail Blazer

Anne Clare Cools is an Ontario Senator representing Toronto- Centre-York. Ms. Cools was summoned to the Senate in January 1984 by His Excellency Governor General Edward Schreyer on the recommendation of the Rt. Hon. Pierre Trudeau. She is the first Black person appointed to the Senate of Canada and the first Black female senator in North America. For twenty years, from 1984 to 2004, Senator Cools sat as a Liberal Senator and then briefly joined the Conservative Caucus. Presently, she sits as an Independent Senator with no party affiliation. In October 2004, in CBC’s The Greatest Canadian contest, Senator Cools was chosen as one of the 100 greatest Canadians of all time, and also one of CBC’s Top 20 Canadian Women.

Through her dedication to public service, she has touched the lives of many. Senator Cools, in her Senate work on the divorce law, has ever upheld the entitlement of children to meaningful and continuous relationships with both their mothers and fathers. She is a veteran parliamentarian, seasoned in Canadian constitutionalism and experienced in parliamentary process. Currently the longest-serving member of the Senate, she is a ready voice on the Senate floor for the people of Canada.

Harpreet Sethi

Businessman and Philanthropist

Harpreet Sethi is Chairman and Owner of the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Grand Victorian Convention Center in Mississauga, and the President of Black Diamond Entertainments – a premier events company. When it comes to hospitality & entertainment, his name is synonymous with grand events. As the President of Black Diamond Entertainments, Mr. Sethi promotes, organizes, hosts and sponsors numerous cultural & community events, supporting local and global talent.

A successful and well-established immigrant, Sethi is well known for his generosity and volunteer work for numerous charities in the community and on an international scale. He is an actively involved member of the Indo-Canadian community, and continuously finds ways to give back to the community. Notably, his sizeable donation of $500,000 to the William Osler Health Centre in 2007, one of Canada’s largest hospitals, drew praise and distinction from the Federal and the Provincial Government of Ontario.

Most recently, Sethi supported the Salvation Army ‘Toy Mountain’ campaign in December 2011 with a $10,000 donation toward the purchase of toys for needy children. He has been named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce and “South Asian Person of the Year” by Midweek Media Group.

Peter Sloly

Deputy Chief, Toronto Police Service

Peter Sloly is in his 24th year with the Toronto Police Service where he is Deputy Chief of the service’s Executive Command. He has held this position since September, 2009. He has a Criminal Justice Education Certificate from the University of Virginia, Incident Command System Certification from the Justice Institute of British Columbia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from McMaster University and a Masters in Business Administration from York University’s Schulich School of Business. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the University of Toronto Rotman Police Executive Leadership Program. Prior to his policing career he played professional soccer and was a member of the Canadian National Soccer Team.

Sloly has authored articles for several police and justice magazines on community mobilization, crime prevention and emergency management. He is an adjunct Professor at the University of Guelph- Humber and guest lecturer at the Ontario Police College. Peter is presently in charge of Divisional Policing Command which has 4084 police officers, 221 civilian members and a budget of $447 million and includes the 17 Police Divisions along with the following functions: Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS), Community Mobilization and Special Events.

Frank Scarpitti

Mayor, City of Markham

Frank Scarpitti was first elected as a Markham regional councillor in 1985. He attained the position of deputy mayor in 1991 and was appointed mayor in 1992 following the death of Mayor Anthony Roman. From 1994-1997 he worked for the radio station, CFMT, hosting a show on business and politics. Interviewing a number of city councillors and mayors, he gained further insight into the political arena – insight he would one day put to the test.

He subsequently was elected deputy mayor in 1997, 2000 and 2003. In 2006, Mr. Scarpitti was elected mayor for the Town of Markham. Under his guidance, the township has since gained City status. Since 1985, he has held a wide variety of positions, has served and continues to serve on several committees - too numerous to mention here. Scarpitti devotes considerable time and energy to his charitable foundation which assists many worthwhile charities, hard working students and those in need in Markham. His foundation has raised in excess of $1 million.

Olivia Chow

Member of Parliament

Olivia Chow’s quest for a better society has been a lifelong journey that has taken her from her humble beginnings as a Hong Kong-born immigrant in Toronto to being of the most visible social advocates and politicians in Canada. In her current role as the NDP Transport and Infrastructure Critic, Olivia is fighting for the mobility and safety of all Canadians across transportation modes. Deeply rooted in her downtown riding of Trinity-Spadina in Toronto, she knows how accessible, affordable transit and safe roads make our local communities liveable and vibrant.

After being re-elected in 2011, Olivia is focusing her efforts in the House of Commons on getting Canadians the 21st century public transit they deserve, making our roads and airways safer, and keeping rail service accessible for passengers and freight customers alike.

As a dedicated transit advocate, Olivia is calling on the federal government to take a leadership role through the introduction of a National Public Transit Strategy through her Bill C-305. Coordination and dedicated funding for transit on a federal level is something countless experts and cities across the country are calling for – and that Canada is alone lacking among its G8 peers.

Since her election in 2006, Olivia has pushed for a variety of high-profile initiatives, including a universal, non-profit national child care program and immigration reform.

Keith Forde

Former Deputy Chief, Toronto Police Service

Keith Forde joined the Toronto Police Service in 1972. During his 34-year policing career, he has worked uniform, investigative, and undercover drug operation duties. His previous command was Superintendent in charge of the service’s Training and Education Unit.

He has completed certificates at the University of Toronto in Management Development; Ryerson University in Public Administration; Canadian Police College in Executive Development; Seneca College in Investigative Science and Police Studies; Humber College in Non- Verbal Communication and Stress Management and at St. Francis Xavier University in Adult Education. Forde has received numerous awards from community organizations, government agencies, faith groups and from within his own police service. He is the recipient of the Harry Jerome Trailblazer Award, African Canadian Achievement Award, Jamaica Community Award and the Chief of Police Excellence Award to name a few.

He is a tireless community worker presently sitting on the Board of Directors for Scarborough Hospital, United Way Youth Challenge Fund and Sickle Cells Camp Jumoke. He is an active fundraiser for several charitable and not-for-profit community organizations. From 1995- 1997 he was Aide de Camp to the Honourable Henry N.R. Jackman, C.M., K.ST. J., LLD, then Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Keith Forde was appointed Deputy Chief of Police in August 2005 and placed in charge of Human Resources Command where he is responsible for Community Mobilization and Staff Planning. Within his command, he has a staff of more than 400 civilian and uniform members. He is Toronto’s first visible minority Deputy Chief of Police.

John Tory

Former Leader, Ontario PC Party

Former Leader, Ontario PC Party John Tory is a Canadian lawyer, business leader, community activist, broadcaster and former leader of the official opposition of Ontario and former Member of Provincial Parliament. Tory was elected leader of the Ontario PC Party in 2004, and was elected MPP for the riding of Dufferin Peel Wellington Grey in 2005. Tory received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Trinity College, University of Toronto in 1975. He received his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1978 from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, and called to the Bar in 1980. The early years of his career were spent practicing law in Toronto and working as principal secretary to Ontario Premier Bill Davis and associate secretary of the Ontario Cabinet.

When he returned to practice law, he accepted invitations to join the boards of several prominent Canadian companies, including the Rogers organization. He later joined the Rogers Group of Companies, first as president and CEO of Rogers Media and then as president and CEO of Rogers Cable. He has served as campaign chair for several charitable organizations including Metro Toronto United Way and St. Michael’s Hospital. He also served as volunteer chairman and commissioner of the Canadian Football League over a nine-year period. Tory was made a member of the Order of Ontario in recognition for being “a consummate champion for the Greater Toronto Region as a founding member and chair of Civic Action and chairs and volunteers on countless fundraising campaigns.

Dr. Dora Akunyili

Global Citizen & Minister

Dr. Dora Akunyili is the former Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of Nigeria and current Nigerian Minister of Information and Communications. She is a pharmacist and governmental administrator who has gained international recognition and won hundreds of awards for her work in pharmacology, public health and human rights. Dr. Akunyili, who assumed office in the year 2001, as the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), is also a Pharmacologist, Erudite Scholar, seasoned administrator, and a visionary leader.

She was a Senior Lecturer and Consultant Pharmacologist in the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria. She also served as a Supervisor for Agriculture and Member of the Caretaker Committee for Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. In addition, she served as a member of State’s Hospitals Management Board and State Advisory Council for Women Commission, both in Anambra State of Nigeria. Dr. Akunyili obtained her First Degree in Pharmacy and her PhD from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She was a Post Doctorate Fellow of University of London and a Fellow of the West African Post Graduate College of Pharmacists. To prepare her for Managerial positions, she was trained on Senior Management Skills Course in RIPA, London. As a Scientist and a Scholar, Dr. Akunyili has presented 19 papers in various local and international scientific conferences, and published a book and 18 Journal Articles.

Chief Armand La Barge

Former Chief, York Regional Police Chief

Armand La Barge began his career with York Regional Police in 1973. On December 12, 2002, he was appointed as Chief of Police. He is Past President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and he is a member of the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree and a Multiculturalism Studies Certificate from York University, an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies from Seneca College and a Masters Degree from Trent University in the field of Canadian and Native Stud¬ies.

La Barge is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the Queen’s University Executive Programme, the Schulich School of Business Masters Certificate in Municipal Management and programmes of study at Ontario Police College, Canadian Police College, Durham College, Seneca College and Le Centre Linguistique at Jonquiere, Quebec. Chief La Barge is the recipient of the Wilf Wilkinson Rotary Peace Award and was awarded the Police Exemplary Services Medal by His Excellency Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn, the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal by the Honourable David Tsubouchi in 2002, and the Exemplary Service First Bar by Her Excellency Governor General Adrienne Clark¬son in 2004. Chief La Barge was invested as an Officer of the Order of Merit by Her Excellency Governor General Michaëlle Jean on May 19, 2006, in Ottawa.

David Miller

Former Mayor, City of Toronto

David Miller was elected Toronto’s 63rd mayor in November 2003 and was re-elected in November 2006 with nearly 60% of the popular vote and a mandate to make Toronto a city of prosperity, livability and opportunity for all. One of the proudest of his many accomplishments as Mayor was securing a New Deal for Cities with senior orders of government. The New Deal provided Toronto with new powers, money, and respect from the provincial and federal governments. In addition, Miller was one of the dominant voices speaking in support of a national urban agenda - including a national transit strategy. With Miller as mayor, Toronto rein¬vested in the city’s neighbourhoods through initiatives like the Community Safety Plan, the Clean and Beautiful City Initiative, rejuvenation of parks and public spaces and through on-going revitalization of the waterfront.

In 2008, Mayor Miller was appointed chair of the influential C40 Group of World Cities leading the fight against Climate Change. As chair of C40, he had a key role in organizing the Copenhagen Climate Summit for Mayors, which urged national governments at the COP15 Conference in Denmark last December to engage, empower and resource cities to meet the challenge of global warming. Miller received a degree in economics from Harvard University and a law degree from the University of Toronto. Before running for public office, he was a partner at the Toronto law firm Aird & Berlis, where he specialized in employment and immigration law and shareholder rights.

Lincoln MacCauley Alexander

Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

Lincoln MacCauley Alexander served as the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1985 to 1991 the first African Canadian to serve in a vice-regal position in Canada.. Alexander was also a Governor of the Canadian Unity Council. Born in Toronto, Ontario to West Indian immigrants to Canada, Lincoln Alexander first distinguished himself by serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War in 1953; he graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. Alexander then became Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament when he was elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 1968 as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, representing the riding of Hamilton West. Under the brief government of Joe Clark in 1979- 1980, Alexander served as Minister of Labour.

Alexander was awarded the Order of Ontario, and made a Companion of the Order of Canada. From 1991 to 2007, he served as Chancellor of the University of Guelph, longer than any of his predecessors, and subsequently assumed the office of Chancellor Emeritus. Alexander was also named Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation in 2000 and remained an active spokesman on race relations and veterans’ issues. He was Honorary Patron of the Hamilton, Ontario branch of St. John Ambulance, as well as Honorary Chief of the Hamilton Police Service. In November 2006, his autobiography Go to School, You’re a Little Black Boy: The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander: A Memoir was published. Lincoln Alexander died in his sleep on the morning of October 19, 2012, at the age of 90. The national and provincial flags outside the Ontario Legislative Building were flown at half-mast and tributes were given by various viceroys and politicians.

Professor Roberto Hausman

Founder and Director of the Canadian Law Enforcement College

Professor Roberto Hausman is driven to teach, train and counsel. He has created a beautiful synergy of learning and loving through more than a quarter century of service. One of his more rewarding experiences during the past 25 years has been that of looking after his Charitable Foundation assisting poor children and orphans in Canada and abroad. In 1985 Roberto Hausman began a seemingly daunting task when he founded the Canadian Law Enforcement College. For over 25 years, the College has grown from its humble 1000 square feet to 12,000 square feet in Toronto and a second location of 2,000 square feet in Mississauga.

His personal mission is to make a difference in our society by helping the less fortunate regardless of their country of origin. The man who arrived in Canada at the age of 19 from Uruguay, with no money, friends, job, place to stay and no English skills continues helping and educating thousands of new immigrants so they may find new career and life in Canada. The reach of this humble, often jovial humanitarian educator reaches around the world to, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Cuba, Guatemala, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, and Uruguay. Tens of thousands of children have received clothing, medicines, wheelchairs and accessories in times of desperate need. Hausman believes that “Above the clouds, the sun is always shining”. Every week for the past 12 years, Professor Hausman was the Leader/Teacher of the Primary Division of a Church, teaching children ages 7 to 9, on a volunteer basis. For over 6 years, he has helped the Yonge Street Mission in Toronto with over $30,000 in donations to help the less fortunate improve their lives. Through his charitable foundation “Needy Children Assistance”, Roberto Hausman has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children in Canada.

Jim Karygiannis

Member of Parliament, Canada

Jim Karygiannis immigrated to Canada as a teenager with his family, settling in Toronto, Ontario in 1966. In 1978 he graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering. Karygiannis also holds a Fellowship of Business Administration from the Canadian School of Management. Jim Karygiannis is the Liberal Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt. On May 2, 2011, he was re-elected for an eighth consecutive term having been first elected to the House of Commons in 1988. Mr. Karygiannis is the Liberal Party Critic for Multiculturalism and also responsible for stakeholder and community outreach.

Scarborough-Agincourt is one of the most ethnically diverse federal ridings in Canada. Karygiannis is an effective voice for the people he serves, taking their concerns, on a wide variety of issues, including: immigration; taxation; justice; and, Canada’s global responsibilities, to Caucus and the House of Commons for debate. Jim Karygiannis has long been a strong advocate for social justice and human rights. He has presented Motions in the House of Commons condemning acts of barbarism perpetrated against religious and cultural minorities throughout the world. These Motions passed with unanimous consent of the Members of Parliament. He has travelled extensively speaking out against human rights violations. With a strong passion for the public, Karygiannis believes in the power and potential of the human race. He is often quoted as saying that R.A.C.E. stands for Respecting our neighbours, Accepting our differences, Celebrating our rich diversity and Embracing our heritage.

Dave Toycen

President, World Vision Canada

In Dave Toycen’s 23 years as a leader with World Vision Canada, with 15 as president, donations have increased almost tenfold to more than $415 million annually. The number of children sponsored through World Vision Canada has also risen, to more than 500,000. Toycen has led the agency into significant advocacy and public policy work, with an emphasis on issues that affect children. His career with World Vision internationally has spanned more than 35 years, during which time his influence has been felt in every continent. Toycen has spoken before the World Bank, and has met with heads of state, key global executives and development leaders to discuss the well-being of the world’s children. A member of the Order of Ontario, Dave Toycen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lawrence University in Wisconsin. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Toycen has received honorary doctorates from Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto, the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California and Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. It is undisputed that Dave Toycen is a life changer. His book, The Power of Generosity, draws from his wide experience and calls readers to become more engaged in the world and to develop a more generous way of life. According to Toycen, “you have to be a part of something bigger than yourself.” Growing up on a farm in the United States with very few amenities or comforts, his mother instilled in him the importance of helping others. For him, generosity is a core value that we all need to have. When speaking with Toycen, it is quickly evident that he is a man filled with love and compassion for the world.

Keith Forde was appointed Deputy Chief of Police in August 2005 and placed in charge of Human Resources Command where he is responsible for Community Mobilization and Staff Planning. Within his command, he has a staff of more than 400 civilian and uniform members. He is Toronto’s first visible minority Deputy Chief of Police.

Madeline Ziniak

National Vice President,
OMNI TV, Rogers Communications

Having been involved in ethnic media for over 30 years, Madeline Ziniak is currently the National Vice President of Rogers OMNI Television. Formerly known as CFMT-TV, Canada’s first over-the-air licensed Multilingual/multicultural Television station, OMNI has grown from one local ethnic channel to become a regional system of five, with stations in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. oronto-based OMNI.1 and OMNI.2 currently airs programming in over 40 languages on a monthly basis, with daily newscasts for Italian, Portuguese, Cantonese, Mandarin and South Asian audiences. Ms Ziniak is the Chair of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (formerly known as the Canadian Ethnic Journalists’ & Writers’ Club). CEMA is comprised of professionals engaged in print, broadcast, web journalism and writing, reflecting Canada’s diversity.

The association supports the principles of Canadian citizenship, multiculturalism and the right of free expression without ethnocentric bias. She sits on the Advisory Board of Ryerson University’s School of Radio and Television and is also a member of the Toronto Press Club. Ziniak is a founding member of the Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection (SABAR) and is Co-Chair of the International Press Freedom Awards (Canadian Journalists for Free Expression). For her dedication throughout her career, Madeline Ziniak has received numerous community, government and industry related honours, the latest being the 2010 Canadian Women in Communications Leadership Excellence Award for “Outstanding Leader”. In an increasingly multicultural society, she continues to be a champion of diversity.

Michael “Pinball” Clemons

Co-Founder, Michael "Pinball" Clemons Foundation

Michael “Pinball” Clemons is an icon of sporting excellence, community leadership, personal character and integrity. The Economics graduate is the pro-football world record holder in all purpose yards which earned him induction into the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame. Clemons is the first African-Canadian head coach to win the Grey Cup in its 98 years. He is an author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and currently the vice-chair of the Toronto Argonauts Football Club.

Both on and off the field, this legend has always made it clear that his true passion lies in the youth. That same passion is what led to the founding of the Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation, an organization whose sole purpose is to advance the cause of young people. The vision of the foundation is to quicken academic excellence, infuse depth of character, promote health and vitality, and inspire generosity in our youth Though most of the foundation’s work has been focused on efforts in the Toronto area communities, in recent years, Michael and his wife Diane have travelled throughout various parts of Africa, taking the same message that they’ve been championing here at home, to overseas destinations. In speaking with Mr. Clemons, the gravity with which he approaches his work resonates with fierce humility. For him, the joy is in helping another person achieve. Also a member of the distinguished Order of Ontario, Clemons’ proudest accomplishment is to be the husband of Diane, and the father of Rachel, Raven and Rylie.

Dr. Samantha Nutt

Founder, War Child Canada

Chosen by Maclean’s Magazine for their annual Honour Roll as one of “12 Canadians making a difference”, Dr. Samantha Nutt is a medical doctor with more than fifteen years of experience working in war zones. Committed to peace, human rights and social justice, she has worked in some of the world’s most violent flashpoints with War Child Canada. She has also worked with the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Darfur, Iraq, Afghanistan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Burundi, northern Uganda, Ethiopia and the Thai-Burmese border. Over the course of her professional career and as the Founder and Executive Director of War Child Canada, Dr. Nutt has spearheaded efforts to provide direct humanitarian support and long term programming to war-affected children and their families, and to promote greater awareness in Canada concerning the rights of children everywhere.

According to their website, “War Child strives to empower children and young people to flourish within their communities and overcome the challenges of living with, and recovering from, conflict. To achieve this, War Child works collaboratively with those communities to increase access to education, overcome the obstacles of poverty and create a protective environment for the rights of children and youth.” War Child’s programming is based on three core goals – to improve access to education, to improve access to justice and to reduce poverty through increased employment opportunities. Across all its programming, War Child ensures that important issues like conflict sensitivity, gender equality and the protection of children are incorporated in to all projects, activities and public engagement programs.

Honourable Jean Augustine

Fairness Commissioner, Province of Ontario

Jean Augustine was appointed as the first Fairness Commissioner for Ontario in March 2007. As a trained educator with a BA and M.Ed. from York University, she is passionate about education and the challenges faced by newcomers to the province. Augustine was the first Black woman elected to the Canadian Parliament; she has served as both Secretary of State and Minister of State for Multiculturalism. She has shared her expertise and enthusiasm with others as a member of several community boards, including those of York University, the Hospital for Sick Children, the Donwood Institute and Harbourfront Corporation. She is former national president of the Congress of Black Women of Canada.

Every year, she makes a better future for young women through the Jean Augustine Scholarship, a fund that helps single mothers attend George Brown College and Centennial College in Toronto. In 2007, she was chair of the Ontario Bicentenary Commemorative Committee on the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Ms. Augustine has donated her archival and parliamentary materials to York University’s Faculty of Education, thus creating the opportunity to establish an innovative academic position, the Jean Augustine Chair in Education in the New Urban Environment. She has been honoured by many organizations for her leadership and community involvement and has been awarded honorary doctor of laws degrees by the University of Toronto, the University of Guelph, McGill University and York University. In December 2009, she was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada.

Courtney Betty

Lawyer & Founder & President

With experience spanning over 20 years within the legal, regulatory and business environment, Courtney Betty began his legal career with the Department of Justice Canada, representing the Government of Canada in tax, civil and commercial cases. In this role he successfully represented the Government in over 200 appeal cases before the Federal Court of Canada. Betty was then recruited by the government of Jamaica where he served as senior general counsel at the Fair Trade Commission. While at the Fair Trade Commission he successfully laid the framework for the deregulation of telecommunications in Jamaica. This framework was eventually adopted by other countries in the region.

As President and CEO of the Diversity Business Network, he utilizes principles of economic empowerment to create wealth for diverse communities. The network’s mission is to facilitate the communication, collaboration, and education on supplier diversity for corporations, associations, diverse-owned businesses and government. The Jamaican born attorney has long held the view that there is a niche within the ethnic marketplace of individuals who require proper legal servicing, but weren’t getting it, and that it would be a growing, developing market. Mr. Betty was awarded the William Hubbard Award by the City of Toronto for his contribution in helping to develop diversity in the City of Toronto. He also serves as the President of a Youth Charity, Youth Deserve a Chance to Dream. He is the recipient of the 2010 Marcus Garvey Memorial Award from Planet Africa Group.

Douglas J. Cardinal

Architect and Philosopher

An Aboriginal success story, Douglas Cardinal is best known for designing the Canadian Museum of Civiliation, an architectural masterpice in Canada’s National Capital Region. He is also a designer, planner, activist, philosopher and artist. As an architect he builds buildings, as a planner and activist he builds communities, and as a leader and philosopher he builds bridges between dispersed cultures worldwide. His architectural studies at The University of British Columbia took him to Austin, Texas, where he acquired scholarships to study at the renowned School of Architecture at the University of Texas. There he found an intellectually stimulating and socially invigorating environment where he also benefited from human rights initiatives ignited in the US in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

This commitment to bettering human conditions continues to be one of the major principles of his architecture, from the smallest detail to the overall design. He is a forerunner of all philosophies of sustainability, green buildings and ecologically designed community planning. His architecture springs from his observations of Nature and his understanding that everything works seamlessly together. He believes that the practical needs humans have for architecture must also include beauty if we are to achieve true sustainability and harmonious communities. Cardinal has received many accolades including 14 honorary Doctorates from universities in Canada and the United States, appointment as Officer of the Order of Canada, Gold Medals in Architecture from the Royal Architectural Institute in Canada, the Union of Architects of Russia, honorary fellowships to the Society of American Registered Architects, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, declaration as “World Master of Contemporary Architecture” and as Professor and Academic by the International Association of Architects.