The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador:

During a virtual ceremony today at Government House in St. John’s, the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission presented the 2020 Human Rights Award to Craig Reid.

The Human Rights Award is presented annually in celebration of International Human Rights Day. It recognizes an individual who has made and/or continues to make a meaningful contribution to advancing and furthering human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Craig Reid is more than an individual advocate. He is a force!

It is his personal mission is to educate others as to the needs of persons with mobility disabilities and shine light on the barriers that exist in our community. He is undaunted in his commitment to hold those responsible accountable to their actions, and is equally dedicated to promoting examples of things done well. Craig has a way of getting the message out, sometimes through very public access on social media or traditional mainstream media circles, and sometimes through quiet conversations when opportunity arises. The common thread is that Craig Reid is always heard, and his message is known to be one of authenticity and resolve.

One day in asking Craig why he does what he does he said “I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t do it, there is so much to do”. Craig was struck by the realization of the degree of need for change because of his own experience and he now commits himself to educating others so that full access is demanded, expected and achieved. Craig’s drive to make change is his passion. He does it for no other reason than to make change where change needs to be made. He works alone often and with others when appropriate. As a result of his rally cry, others often find their voice. Sometimes he is a single voice and sometimes through his relentless drive, small armies rise up and echo his call. Through his work, he has become well-known to government officials, local media and advocacy groups as he campaigns tirelessly. Today Craig is the Chair of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador as well as former Chair of the Universal Design Network of Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition, he is a two-time short-list nominee for the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award and past winner of CODNL’s Advocate of the Year Award.

Craig was born in Corner Brook, and grew up without a disability, was active in sports and had a typical life. Over 30 years ago he moved to Mount Pearl and later in life acquired his own disability. As he tried to do things he had always done, he came to realize many of the barriers that exist for persons with disabilities that were not being addressed. It made him recognize the need for equity. Today he is committed to make it his life’s work to share information so that everyone, regardless of ability has the fundamental right to access society and all it has to offer.

Also at today’s ceremony, Blair Curtis and Kathryn (Kate) Morrison were named Human Rights Champions. The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by members of the Selection Committee. This year it was awarded to two recipients.

Blair Curtis is a 20-year-old university student at Grenfell Campus of Memorial University who resides in McIvers. Blair is also a known trans rights advocate. Blair and his mother Gerri-Lynn Curtis are the founders of the Western Chapter of “Parents of Trans and Gender Diverse Kids NL” – under the guidance of Trans Support NL Inc.; the first transgender support group on the West Coast of Newfoundland that meets monthly. With the help of Blair’s advocacy on gender-affirming surgery policy reform, in late 2019 it was announced that out-of-province CAMH assessments would no longer be required for gender-affirming surgeries, rather an in-province assessment would take its place – similar to the rest of Canada. As well, the list of MCP covered gender-affirming surgeries was expanded to match the Canadian average. Blair, along with his Sociology 3040 classmates, additionally helped to create a gender diverse manual that has been used both provincially and in other places in Canada to help health care professionals and first responders learn more about the gender diverse community. Blair was recognized in 2019 as Grand Marshall – Community Thought Leader for St. John’s Pride, and this year was recognized by the Community Mental Health Initiative as a Mental Health Champion for outstanding contributions to mental health awareness. Blair’s advocacy has also helped to change a policy that has allowed gender diverse people to have easier access to gender-affirming surgeries.

Kate Morrison was born in Hebron, Prince Edward Island, to a farming family in 1952. Her parents were avid consumers of news and current affairs, and active in local politics. After high school, Kate moved to the Yukon, and later the interior of British Columbia, where she obtained Bachelors and Masters Degrees in social work from the University of Victoria. As a social worker in Vancouver, Kate witnessed the harsh effects of social and economic inequality first-hand.

Alarmed at the role played by the justice system in perpetuating that inequality, Kate decided to pursue a law degree from the University of British Columbia. Throughout her studies, she remained active in university, provincial and federal politics. Upon graduation, Kate returned to the east coast to practice law at Paterson Kitz in Halifax. There she also worked with the Dalhousie Legal Aid Centre, and worked on Alexa McDonough’s election campaign while she was the leader of the federal NDP. After several years in Halifax, Kate moved with her husband to St. John’s, where they settled and raised their son. Beginning at the firm of Hurley Woodland, Kate then moved to work at Legal Aid, before becoming legislative council at the House of Assembly. Throughout her time in Newfoundland and Labrador, Kate continued advocating for social justice causes, including the rights of women, the LGBTQ community, as well as those suffering racial and economic discrimination. She was also an avid volunteer and supporter of numerous non-profit groups, including Amnesty International, World Vision and more.

Kate was continuing her tireless work when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She was forced into early retirement, and ultimately was unable to work. Despite her limited mobility, Kate continued to support progressive public policies, charitable organizations and social justice, and was an active champion for the rights of persons with disabilities.

After battling MS for over 15 years, Kate was diagnosed with dementia, and is now sadly unable to continue her support for social and political change. Despite this, she remains a kind and caring resident to her fellow residents and staff at Saint Luke’s Home in St. John’s.

In 2019, the Kathryn M. Morrison Scholarship in Political Studies was created to honour her selfless achievements, and to inspire a new generation of students to continue her meaningful work.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission thanks all those who nominated individuals for the 2020 Human Rights Award. The Selection Committee’s task was challenging in deciding this year’s Human Rights Award and Human Rights Champion recipients.

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Learn more

News Release: Human Rights Commission Announces Nominees for the 2020 Human Rights Award

For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca.

You can also follow us on Twitter @nlhumanrights.

Media contact
Carey Majid, Executive Director
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
709-729-4184
careymajid@gov.nl.ca