We would like to extend our congratulations to Black Lives Matter – Toronto for their winning of the NOW Magazine’s Readers’ Choice "Best Social Justice Group". We couldn’t be prouder to place second to such a committed and effective group.

As their runner-up, we would also like to take a moment to thank them for their ongoing work in confronting racial injustices in our city.

Toronto is at an inequality crossroads. At Social Planning Toronto, we work daily to bring the public’s focus towards inequalities in the economy, in our schools, with our access to transit and housing, and with employment and workplaces. Racial inequality, especially anti-black racism, is at the bedrock of each of these pressing challenges. 

Our work to take on inequality and envision a better future for our city cannot be done without also standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies. We are proud to include Black Lives Matter – Toronto among them.

It’s an honour just to be nominated, let alone alongside such an incredible group. Thank you to those of you who voted for us, but we voted for Black Lives Matter.