Accommodating Differences: A Community Conversation

Toronto, ON: The Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) will tackle issues related to accommodation of individual needs based on culture, religion and disability with a panel of legal and community experts in Toronto.   The panel is part of the Council’s annual Women Who Inspire awards and scholarship fundraiser taking place this Sunday, September the 25th at the Novotel Hotel in North York.

The theme of this year’s event is “Accommodation and Adaptation – A Two Way Street.”  Panelists will explore human rights provisions in legislation and practical realities of day-to-day life, whether it is turbans on motorbikes, music in schools or what one can wear in a swimming pool.

The panelists are:

  • Alia Hogben: Executive Director of CCMW, Social Worker and Member of the Order of Canada

  • Raj Anand: Former Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, lawyer, professor, arbitrator & mediator at WeirFoulds LLP

  • Sukaina Dada: Founder & President of SMILE Canada – Support Services & Pediatric Occupational Therapist

  • Ahmed Hussen: Member of Parliament for York South-Weston, lawyer and social activist

  • Marilou McPhedran: Human rights lawyer, women’s rights activist & tenured professor

“Out of all the questions we receive, those related to accommodation of religious and cultural differences are the most challenging for us,” said Alia Hogben, one of the panelists and CCMW Executive Director. “I’m hoping for an honest conversation about practical solutions that respect the dignity of all parties involved.”

– 30 –

The event will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Novotel Toronto North York, 3 Park Home Avenue, Toronto, ON.   Tickets can be purchased at wwi2016.eventbrite.ca.  For more information, please call (416) 875-7796, email media@ccmw.com 

Aima Warriach