Ottawa – Mayor Jim Watson and City Manager Kent Kirkpatrick presented the City of Ottawa 2013 Diversity and Inclusion Awards at today’s City Council meeting. The seventh edition of these annual awards recognized individual City employees and teams who demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering a positive and respectful work environment and who provide services that respect the diversity of Ottawa residents.
“Together we are building strong, diverse and inclusive communities,” said Mayor Watson. “Our commitment to equity and inclusion programs is the reason that the City of Ottawa has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the third consecutive year.”
This year’s Individual Equity and Diversity Award went to the head of Ottawa Fire Services, Chief John deHooge, for his significant contributions to making Ottawa Fire Services an inclusive and diverse workplace. His leadership and support of various initiatives and activities have played a key role in building a respectful and safe work environment where individuals are empowered to take action.
Honourable Mention certificates were awarded to two individuals. Lisa Petch was recognized for her dedication to improving client services for the residents of our city by developing and promoting the Equity and Inclusion Lens training program for staff. Norma Strachan was recognized for the key role that she played in the development of the Kanata Chinese Seniors Community Garden and for fostering cross-cultural community relationships.
The Team Diversity and Inclusion Award went to members of the Para Transpo Stakeholder Consultations Team: AJ Ryland, Ann Marie Foley, Tom Crowley, Nichole Hoover-Bienasz, Kathy Riley and Genevieve Sharkey. This team was recognized for their inclusive approach to the Para Transpo stakeholder consultations. They incorporated the City’s Equity and Inclusion Lens as part of the planning process, which ensured the successful representation of a number of diverse interests.
Honourable Mention certificates were also awarded in the team category to the AccessAbility Day Organizing Team and the Emergency and Protective Services Diversity and Inclusion Team.
The AccessAbility Day Organizing Team was recognized for their contributions to the 10th Annual AccessAbility Day event, which increased awareness of diversity and inclusion issues for both employees and the community at large. The Emergency and Protective Services Diversity and Inclusion Team was recognized for their leadership role in marking the Transgender Day of Remembrance and for providing an important opportunity for Emergency and Protective Services and the City to build and foster their relationships with the transgender community.
“I want to thank all of the 2013 winners and nominees for their passion and dedication to making inclusion and diversity a priority in the workplace,” said City Manager Kent Kirkpatrick. “Through your innovative solutions, we are continuing to create a city that is representative of all.”
The City of Ottawa is committed to providing quality services to the diverse population it serves. Nominees for the Diversity and Inclusion Awards reflect this commitment in their daily work by applying the Equity and Inclusion Lens, a tool for staff to use in policy and program development, and client service. The award winners and nominees contribute to making the City of Ottawa’s workforce one that is inclusive of the following groups: Aboriginal, GLBT, Immigrants, People with Disabilities, Visible Minorities and Women.
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