Jamaica-born Hamlin Grange Awarded Order of Canada

Jamaica-born Hamlin Washington Grange has been awarded the Order of Canada. Grange who is the brother of Jamaica's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, was recognized for his “pioneering work in diversity and inclusion” and as a “passionate change agent for social justice ” an active member of the Jamaican diaspora in Canada

He was one of 99 new appointments to the Order of Canada announced by Governor General Mary Simon He is a former track athlete who, for many years, held the Canadian record in the junior 400 meters hurdles

Hamlin Grange is the co-founder and president of DiversiPro, a consulting firm He also trained as a journalist and has had a major career with CBC Television, serving as an editor and producer He also co-hosted a radio news and current affairs show in Jamaica called “Good Evening Jamaica ” Grange works as a diversity and inclusion strategist and has chaired the Toronto Police Services Board For 20 years, Grange has worked with a variety of clients in many sectors and is considered a trusted advisor He is a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, which measures and develops levels of intercultural awareness and sensitivity in individuals and teams

Grange is a Diversity and Inclusion Strategist. As President of DiversiPro, he helps organizations to succeed in being reflective, responsive and relevant to the changing markets and communities they serve In this capacity, Hamlin has helped to make organizations more inclusive, productive and culturally competent

Hamlin has served on a number of important boards, including: The Toronto Police Services Board, a Trustee of the Royal Ontario Museum and the Board of the YMCA of Greater Toronto He is currently a Member of the Consent and Capacity Board, an independent provincial tribunal whose mission is the fair and accessible adjudication of consent and capacity issues, balancing the rights of vulnerable individuals with public safety

He has received numerous awards, including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, YMCA’s Peace Medallion, The B’Nai Brith

Human Rights Award for Journalism, A CHUM TV-Black Film and Video Achievement Award and Award for Leadership, The African Canadian Achievement Award, and several others Hamlin is a sought-after keynote speaker and diversity trainer He speaks eloquently and passionately about the power of diversity and the benefits of creating inclusive environments that value the perspectives and life experiences of everyone Hamlin believes a deeper understanding of how culture affects human interactions is a vital prerequisite in today’s fast-paced transmedia world

Grange has also served in various capacities on numerous other boards, committees and councils in Canada Among them are: the Responsible Gaming Council as chair of the board of directors; public member of the Consent and Capacity Board in Toronto, Ontario; and chair of the African-Caribbean Advisory Group of the Association of Fundraising Professionals

Foundation

The Order of Canada is among the highest honors awarded and is the equivalent of Jamaica's National Honor, the Order of Jamaica Since its creation in 1967 Canada's centennial year more than 7600 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country They include scientists, musicians, artists, politicians, athletes, and business people