From the Publisher's Desk

Giving thanks to our Parents

Greetings to all our readers,

Summer is upon us and with it come the joys of going out to the beach as well as many summer fun activities held in our region.

TheAlberta Human Rights Commission has been reducing discrimination and protecting human rights in the province since 1973. Through public education, community initiatives, and complaint resolution, the commission is delivering on its mandate to foster equality and reduce unlawful discrimination.

The commission has resolved more than 18,000 human rights complaints since improved tracking was put in place in 1998. It has also increased collaboration with community stakeholders to address human rights issues, administered more than $20 million in grants, and has overseen the addition of new grounds to the Alberta Human Rights Act to reduce unlawful discrimination.

“I ask all Albertans to join me in celebrating a province that appreciates the diversity of its population

Every person, regardless of race, sex, colour, religion, disability or other protected ground, deserves and is entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.

“We still have a long way to go as we walk arm in arm with all Albertans to uphold human rights and fight discrimination, but I am encouraged by how far we have come and am hopeful as we look forward to the next 50 years. We will continue to build this great province through multiculturalism, diversity and mutual respect.”

Kathryn Oviatt, chief of the commission and tribunals, Alberta Human Rights Commission

Get involved

To encourage public engagement and broaden understanding of human rights, the commission has compiled a provincial human rights resource list that includes numerous events, webinars, podcasts, videos, books and reports as part of its 50th anniversary campaign.

I hope that everyone has been enjoying the beautiful weather and soaking up the sunshine, and getting the chance to enjoy the fresh air, maybe even get out to the lake and spend some time in the water.

This month I have been really thinking about how much our parents influence who we become, how their lessons impact our characters, and help mould us into the people we were always meant to be.

I am truly grateful to be able to work with my Dad, Sonny, who I have looked up to learned a lot from over the years. He taught me the importance of hard work and loyalty.

I remember my first trip to Canada, visiting him in Athabasca when he worked for the Athabasca Advocate, tagging along with pride to all Dad's meetings. Little would I have thought all these years later, I would be working in the same field together with him. It is truly an honor.

My Mum, who is also a great treasure to me, was a bank manager when I was younger. She instilled in us the significance to study and understand finances.

Sometimes it is important to take the time to let those who have impacted our lives, to know how much they mean to us. It may seem like a few insignificant words but they can make all the difference.

I'd like to thank the members of the community for the submissions. It looks like it has been a funfilled month with tons of great activities for the whole family.

Be sure to check out our website, soon to be updated and our Facebook page. Tag us to let us know of any upcoming events.We love to hear from you.

Until next month, stay safe and stay healthy