Layton Activism Award winner to be announced today at live celebration of Jack Layton's Legacy
TORONTO (August 22, 2022)—On Monday, August 22, 2022 at 1.00 pm the Institute for Change Leaders (ICL) and the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation will announce winner of the Jack Layton Activism Award at an in-person celebration marking the 11th anniversary of Layton’s passing. The event will also be broadcast live over Zoom.
WHAT: The Jack Layton Activism Award Celebration
WHEN: Monday, August 22, 2022 at 1.00pm.
WHERE: George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, Toronto Metropolitan University, 245 Church St, Third Floor and Online via Zoom (link: https://ryerson.zoom.us/s/95761212895).
Following a public call for nominations, award organizers received over 100 submissions from people working for change at all levels across the country, including efforts to end homelessness, address food insecurity, help women escape domestic violence, strengthen Reconciliation; and much more.
“The range and depth of the nominees was so heartening,” says Olivia Chow, “Even in the most difficult times, there are so many people fighting every day to build a future of love, hope, and optimism. The judges have selected an incredible winner that is making a huge difference, one which would have made Jack proud.”
The winner was decided upon by an expert panel of judges from across the country with deep ties to Jack's life and work: activist and former MP Libby Davies, former Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan member Yens Pedersen, community advocate Darnel Harris, former MP Hélène Leblanc, and Jack’s former Chief of Staff Bob Gallagher.
The event will also feature a panel discussion between Bob Gallagher, Jack's former Chief of Staff, and Anne McGrath, the current NDP federal Director. This discussion will be moderated by Karl Belanger, Jack’s former press secretary and currently the President of the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation.
The Layton Activism Award, part of the Layton Legacy project, carries on the late Jack Layton’s important work by recognizing and supporting activists who are powerful changemakers.
Media availability: Olivia Chow; Karl Belanger.
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Media Contact:
Duncan Pike (416) 893-2286
Contact:
Josh Bizjak
