Ontario’s NDP honoured Larry Taylor and the late Ben Russell for their significant contributions towards eliminating racial discrimination at the annual J.S. Woodsworth Awards.
“I am proud to pay tribute to Larry Taylor and the late Ben Russell for their work to eliminate racism and racial discrimination by awarding them the J.S Woodsworth award. They have both made important contributions in the fight against prejudice and hatred based on colour, race, or ethnic origin. Tonight, I have the privilege of honouring them both for leading the struggle for a just and equitable Ontario,” said NDP Citizenship and Immigration Critic Peter Tabuns.
Tabuns commended Mr. Taylor for his efforts made to combat racial discrimination. In the 1980’s when development in Mississauga was at its peak and he served as a city councillor, Mr. Taylor committed himself to ensuring that diverse communities should be reflected in the very fabric of Mississauga. He created and chaired the very first multicultural event in the Mississauga’s history -- the Mississauga Multicultural Festival, the forerunner of Carasauga that still operates today. During the 2005/2006 federal and the 2007 municipal elections, Mr. Taylor mentored candidates from diverse communities. He continues to work to ensure that multiculturalism is an important fact of life in Mississauga, Canada’s sixth largest urban centre.

Tabuns also praised the late Ben Russell for his work in Human Rights. Proud of his Jamaican roots, Mr. Russell worked tirelessly on behalf of fellow racialized Steelworker union members. Mr. Russell realized that the only way people of colour could get respect was to gain the dignity and respect that they deserved inside and outside the workplace. He was active in organizing Steelworkers events for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Human Rights Day, International Women's Day and PRIDE. Mr. Russell passed away suddenly last Fall. The award was presented to his wife, who attended the ceremony with the couple’s baby daughter, born on the same day her father passed away.

In addition to Mr. Taylor and Mr. Russell, Ontario NDP also honoured the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) for its half-century fight to eliminate racism from workplaces. Even before its formal inception in 1957, the OFL has pioneered labour diversity programs. The organization has been forceful in lobbying for improved human rights legislation and continues with its groundbreaking work.

New Democrats continue to fight for social, racial and economic justice for all Ontarians, such as: faster accreditation of internationally-trained professionals and trades people, investments in English as a Second Language training, better child care, more affordable housing, funding for Black Heritage programs in our schools, an anti-racism secretariat, a fair and just Ontario Human Rights Commission, and community programs for at-risk youth.

“Our award recipients tonight are part of a long tradition of individuals, and organizations, that fought for racial equality and the right to live with respect and dignity,” Tabuns said.