The East York-Riverdale Mirror

One of the reasons why I've had such a strong sense of connection to the East York community has been due to the fact that so many people who live here are engaged with issues bigger than those simply found within the boundaries of their personal lives.

More importantly, these same people undertake to resolve those issues through long-term volunteer effort with the simple aim of making life in our community, and indeed the world, better.

Most often the work that these people engage in is to simply help people who have less power and influence in the world gain more so that they can overcome injustice and inequality through their own efforts.

It is a shame that despite the fact that we are living in a period of unprecedented wealth and material achievement, far too many people are still struggling with issues that should have been resolved ages ago.

It takes hard work and dedication to continue to overcome long-standing issues such as poverty, social injustice, war, affordable housing, health and eduction. We, as a society and a community, need to recognize those who take the time to care without the intension of personal gain and in doing so inspire others to undertake such causes.

One way in which this is done in East York is through the presentation of the annual Agnes Macphail award.

Macphail, as you may remember, was the first woman elected to Canada's federal parliament in 1921 and who was a strong voice for those who had little or none in this country at the time.

She spoke for the farming community of Ontario and was an advocate for prison reform.

As the first woman appointed as a member to the Canadian delegation to the League of Nations she spoke to the world.

In 1943 she became one of the first two women elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing York East, where she helped champion the adoption of the province's first equal pay legislation in 1951.

In 1994, the council of the borough of East York established an annual award in her name and the tradition continues today through the efforts of the Agnes Macphail Committee.

Nominee should be an outstanding volunteer, advocate and contributor to community life, in an area of, but not limited to, Agnes Macphail's traditions and interests and who lives within the boundaries of the former borough of East York.

If you know of such a person, please send a nomination in writing to the East York Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee, Councillor Janet Davis, East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave., East York, ON, M4C 5R1.

Nominations must be received no later than Friday, Feb. 1 if you require further information please contact Davis' office at 416-392-4035.