January 12, 2010, Toronto — Centennial College President Ann Buller is receiving Toronto City Council’s Constance E. Hamilton Award on the Status of Women, commemorating Constance Hamilton, who in 1920 became the first woman elected to municipal council in Toronto.
Buller is being recognized for her leadership and contributions in the field of post-secondary education college degree and degree programs, including improving women’s access to non-traditional careers. Under her direction, Centennial developed the Women in Skilled Trades program dedicated to supporting female students who pursue a non-traditional goal, such as becoming an automotive service technician.
“Ann understands the depth of isolation and marginalization women face in accessing opportunities in the skilled trades,” Sue Allen, coordinator, Women in Skilled Trades, wrote in her letter of recommendation. “She understands we all have a responsibility to bring down the barriers that have for so long framed women’s choices.”
Buller’s support of HYPE – Helping Youth Pursue Education – an innovative summer training program for youth from under-served neighbourhoods in east Toronto, is widely recognized as a boon to the Mayor’s Community Safety Plan. She also mentors and promotes women working in the Ontario college system to strive for leadership positions.
Buller is an inspiration to other women, holding positions on several influential committees and public boards, including the Toronto Board of Trade and the new Invest Toronto Board, which she co-chairs with Mayor David Miller.
Buller shares the winning honour with Sonja Greckol, who has dedicated a lifetime of leadership and advocacy to advancing equality for women and contributing towards developing systems of accountability. Buller and Greckol will be presented with their awards during the city’s annual Human Rights Day Awards event on November 25.
Toronto Council established the Constance E. Hamilton Award in 1979 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Persons Case, when the Privy Council declared women were persons. Constance Easton Hamilton was a social justice advocate who championed women’s suffrage, refugee issues, as well as assessment reforms, employment standards and public libraries. The award recognizes “persons” whose actions have been significant in securing the equitable treatment of women.
