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Isabel Bassett inducted to Caledon’s Walk of Fame




By Bill Rea
Isabel Bassett has devoted her career to various causes, including the advancement of women.
It was a time for recognition Saturday as her stone was uncovered on Caledon's Walk of Fame in Caledon East.
A host of dignitaries and admirers were on hand for the ceremony, braving the seasonable weather to attend.
The inscription on the stone praises Bassett's accomplishments over the years as a journalist, broadcaster and documentary producer. She served as an MPP in the first Mike Harris government, and was appointed to cabinet as Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation. After her term at Queen's Park, she served as Chair and CEO of TVOntario. She is also a Member of the Order of Ontario, the Order of Canada and Chevalier de l'Ordre de la Légion d'Honneur.
“Isabel Bassett's work in broadcasting and commitment to women's issues have left an indelible mark in her community,” the inscription concluded.
Mayor Allan Thompson called her an “extraordinary resident.”
Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson recalled he was the local MPP when Bassett was in office at Queen's Park, as he reflected on her accomplishments as a teacher broadcaster and minister.
“I think a lot about the things she's done over the years,” Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones commented, praising Bassett's assistance to people and her mentoring of women.
“Isabel Bassett has had a profound impact on Canadian society,” Thompson observed, pointing to her advocacy on issues.
“She gets it done,” he said.
“I've always found Isabel as down to earth and a humble person,” he added, as he thanked her for all her contributions over the years.
“We feel you are so deserving of this award,” he added.
Bassett expressed her appreciation to the Town.
“You recognize the importance of diversity,” she declared. “It is so important if we're going to move forward.”
The Caledon Walk of Fame was initiated in 1999 to honour past and present Caledon residents who have made a significant contribution to the quality of life locally, nationally and internationally.
Famed motion picture director Norman Jewison was the first one recognized, and others over the years have included renowned choral conductor Elmer Iseler, art collectors Robert and Signe McMichael, authors Farley Mowat, Robertson Davies and Ken Weber, and Caledon's “Senior Statesman” Alex Raeburn.

The crowd of admirers out to help Isabel Bassett uncover her stone on Caledon's Walk of Fame Saturday included her brother Donald Macdonald; Councillors Nick deBoer, Jennifer Innis and Barb Shaughnessy; Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones; former premier and local MPP Ernie Eves; Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson; Councillor Johanna Downey, Mayor Allan Thompson and Town Crier Andrew Welch.
Photo by Bill Rea



Tayler “Hap” Parnaby, whose stone on the Walk of Fame was unveiled in 2011, proposed a toast to this year's inductee.
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