Exceptional Ontarians Celebrated at Annual Lieutenant Governors’ Legacy Awards Ceremony

Press Release

September 16, 2024

TORONTO – The Ontario government is recognizing 14 exceptional Ontarians with awards at the annual Lieutenant Governors’ Legacy Awards Ceremony for the work they have done to build a stronger, more inclusive and welcoming Ontario.

These awards, named after four previous Lieutenant Governors —the Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, the Honourable James Bartleman, the Honourable David C. Onley and the Honourable Hilary M. Weston — honour their legacies and contributions in the areas of anti-racism, literature, accessibility and mental health research.

“I am proud to further the legacy of my predecessors by presenting these awards that bear their name to 14 worthy recipients,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Through their creativity, leadership and determination to improve the lives of others, they have made impressive and inspirational contributions to their communities and to our province.”

The recipients of these awards have demonstrated leadership by supporting and empowering Indigenous and underrepresented communities, following in the footsteps of the previous Lieutenant Governors. This is the first time since her appointment as Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Edith Dumont recognized recipients at the annual award ceremony.

The 14 recipients recognized at the Lieutenant Governors’ Legacy Awards ceremony are:

• Lincoln M. Alexander Award: Established in 1993, the 2024 award recognizes young people who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in eliminating racial discrimination and promoting equity and inclusion.
  • Lladaneyah Gayle
  • Given Messam-Harris
  • Rukshika Krishnamoorthy

• James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Award: Established in 2008, the 2024 award recognizes Indigenous youth for their creative writing talent.
  • Loveena Nothing
  • Jersey Kakekayash
  • Amethyst Richard
  • Noah Faucher
  • Michael Taukei
  • Tatum Naveau

• David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility: Established in 2014, the award recognizes Ontarians who have gone above and beyond to improve accessibility and the quality of life of people with disabilities.
  • John Leadston
  • Prasanna Ranganathan
  • Jolie Gan

• Hilary M. Weston Scholarship: Established in 2002, the 2024 scholarship recognizes graduate-level social work students for their contributions to mental health research.
  • Robyn Mahood
  • Ngaire Rasmussen

The recipients were recognized in a ceremony at the Art Gallery of Ontario presided over by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. She was joined by Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, and Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education.

Quotes

“I am pleased to recognize 14 outstanding Ontarians with awards that honour and celebrate the contributions and legacies of former Lieutenant Governors of Ontario. These individuals have positively transformed the lives of countless people in their communities and around the province. Their civic-mindedness, integrity, and community leadership is an inspiring example to all Ontarians. We applaud their invaluable contributions and are grateful for everything they do to help build a stronger, more vibrant Ontario.”

– Michael Ford
Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism

“I would like to express my congratulations to our three remarkable recipients of the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility. They have worked tirelessly to make meaningful and positive change to promote inclusion and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. I am inspired by their outstanding leadership and dedication to championing accessibility.”

– Raymond Cho
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility

“Today, we celebrate three remarkable young people who embody the spirit of Lincoln M. Alexander as they work toward eliminating racial discrimination. Their leadership and determination to advance racial equity is a reminder that promoting a fair and welcoming environment starts with each of us. I hope their dedication will inspire others to create positive change and guide us toward brighter, more inclusive communities where all are valued and respected.”

– Jill Dunlop
Minister of Education

Additional Resources

• Fourteen Ontarians Receive Awards Named in Honour of Former Lieutenant Governors
• Learn more about the awards and recipients.
• Learn more about how to nominate someone for the Lincoln M. Alexander Award, the James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Award, the David C. Onley Award for Leadership and Accessibility and the Hilary M. Weston Scholarship Award.
• Find out how to nominate someone for the province’s highest honour, The Order of Ontario.
• Learn more about volunteering in Ontario.

Media Contacts

Joe Segal
Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
joe.segal@ ontario.ca

Mackenzie MacDonald
Office of the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
mackenzie.macdonald@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
media.mcm@ontario.ca

Wallace Pidgeon
Office of the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
Wallace.Pidgeon@ontario.ca

Media Desk
Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility
Communications Branch
MSAA.Media@ontario.ca

Edyta McKay
Office of the Minister of Education
edyta.mckay@ontario.ca

Ingrid Anderson
Ministry of Education
Communications Branch
ingrid.e.anderson@ontario.ca

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