Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction Report staff writer
George Brown College alumnus Chris Campbell has been recognized for his community leadership with the 2024 Leadership Award at the Black/Caribbean Community Impact Awards.
The ceremony took place at Memorial Hall in North York on Oct. 19, celebrating the contributions of outstanding individuals within the Caribbean community.
Campbell, a graduate of the Carpenter General Apprentice certificate program, is currently the president of Carpenter’s Union Local 27 and serves as the director of equity, diversity, and inclusion at the Carpenters’ Regional Council. He is also a member of the George Brown College Foundation Board of Directors.
In 2023, Campbell established the Chris Campbell Perseverance Award, a scholarship aimed at supporting exceptional full-time students who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color enrolled at the Angelo DelZotto School of Construction Management and the School of Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades. This scholarship is intended for learners who demonstrate both academic excellence and commitment to extracurricular activities.
During the ceremony, George Brown College president Dr. Gervan Fearon expressed gratitude to organizations such as the Toronto Community Benefits Network and the Indigenous Benefits Association for their support of the Impact Awards. “Our support for the Impact Awards comes easily,” Dr. Fearon said. “We see firsthand how supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce benefits the collective. Families prosper, communities grow, and the economies of Canada and our Caribbean partners thrive together.”
Dr. Fearon highlighted George Brown College’s strong international ties with governments and business groups in Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Guyana. He noted that the college is a member of the Canada Caribbean Institute, which fosters collaboration among post-secondary institutions to address social, economic, and environmental challenges.
“These partnerships enhance our research and innovation efforts and enrich our students’ learning experiences,” he said. The college has collaborated with Caribbean institutions in various fields, including early childhood education and manufacturing.
In his remarks, Dr. Fearon praised the Impact Award recipients for their resilience and accomplishments across sectors such as arts, business, and education. “In Toronto, in Ontario, and in Canada, our prosperity and excellence are enriched by their contributions,” he said.
The Caribbean Impact Awards play a vital role in promoting cultural pride and encouraging social change while strengthening community engagement. By celebrating the resilience and creativity of Caribbean individuals, the awards inspire future generations to positively impact their communities and enrich the broader narrative of Caribbean heritage.