News Release

For Immediate Release
December 9, 2005

TORONTO — The McGuinty government is fighting hate crime and strengthening communities with the help of a new advisory group whose members were announced today by Attorney General Michael Bryant and Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter.

"As we approach International Human Rights Day it is my distinct pleasure to announce the members of this new group," said Bryant. "These nine individuals are representative of our diverse Ontario communities, and are well-placed to recommend ways to improve services for victims of hate crimes and prevent further victimization."

International Human Rights Day, December 10, is celebrated around the world, commemorating the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

The Hate Crimes Community Working Group, chaired by Dr. Karen Mock, will provide expert advice to the government and propose approaches to address hate crimes, including measures to enhance services to victims of such crime. Mock is joined by a panel of eight members: Marie Chen, Germaine Elliott, Bernie Farber, Dr. Ijaz Qamar, Uzma Shakir, Howard Shulman, Anne-Marie Stewart and Jane Tallim.

"I am honoured to assume responsibility for chairing the Hate Crimes Community Working Group," said Mock. "I look forward to working with the group to build upon the fine work done in communities to date in finding creative and more effective ways to help victims of hate crimes."

"There is no place for hate and extremism in Ontario," said Kwinter. "The experienced individuals who will sit on our Hate Crimes Community Working Group will provide valuable advice to help support our government's commitment to tolerance and equality - the building blocks of strong and prosperous communities."

"The McGuinty government has zero tolerance for crimes of hate," said Bryant. "The advice of this distinguished panel will help strengthen our ability to fight these crimes."

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