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While I have much to learn as Ombudsman, I am hopeful that my past has prepared me for this challenge. Having spent most of my life as a human rights worker, I have witnessed the hearts of men and women at their best and also at their worst. On the other hand, our history has left us all a legacy of social justice and respect for human dignity.
The province of Ontario has long been a terminus for freedom seekers:
- The founding colonists from England and France
- The United Empire Loyalists
- The Black Freedmen and Slaves from the United States
- The waves of immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean
They represented every race, every creed and every colour-all drawn to Ontario by the promise of a freer and fuller life . . .
In our strong moments, we welcomed the many and diverse peoples and let them be who they were … But in our weak moments, in our ignorance, in our apathy, we witnessed the corrosive forces of racism, discrimination and prejudice sapping the strength of our bonds as brothers, sisters and fellow citizens. Human rights issues from the past are still with us-native rights, women’s rights, the treatment of visible minorities, francophone rights and the rights of the handicapped, to name just a few, very few.
That we have not yet reached the promised land of the just society is known to every person who has toiled for security and social justice. But that is no reason to abate our efforts. There is simply too much at stake. From the hindsight of history, one lesson is very clear-so long as the rights of even one are abused, abridged or abrogated-then the freedom of all is in peril. . . .
Excerpt from remarks by Dr. Daniel G. Hill on the occasion
of the taking of the oath of office as Ombudsman for the
Province of Ontario, March 21, 1984
Daniel G. Hill fonds
Reference Code: F 2130-7-0-15
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