We proudly carry the name of Joseph E. Atkinson, the editor and later the publisher and owner of the Toronto Star from 1899 to 1948. Joseph and his wife Elmina Elliott were principled journalists, activists, civic leaders, and life-long partners in the fight for social and economic justice. They were also faithful philanthropists who established the Atkinson Foundation in 1942 to continue their fight when they no longer could. This is their story.
The Atkinson Foundation turned 75 in 2017. We marked the milestone with a graphic novella that tells the story of Canada’s fight for decent work in Joseph Atkinson’s times. You can click here for a print copy. The first $75,000 Atkinson Good Fight Prize was awarded to the Fight for $15 and Fairness campaign. We also convened a national roundtable on Canada’s 75-year old Employment Insurance program –– what Mr. Atkinson called “the greatest fight” of his life.
Joseph Atkinson’s design for the Foundation started with a single idea: “humanity above all.” In other words, in a complex world of multiple considerations, Mr. Atkinson believed people came first. Five principles anchor this idea and the Atkinson Foundation: a strong and united Canada, civic engagement, individual and civil liberties, the necessary role of government, and workers’ rights. Betsy Murray, Joseph and Elmina’s granddaughter and Chair of the Atkinson Board from 1994 to 2005, tells the Foundation’s story in brief here.
We’ve come to Atkinson from the academy, journalism, labour, business, government, health care, and the wider community. What we share is a commitment to the Atkinson Principles and the Foundation’s mission and values. Fay Faraday chairs the Board of Directors. Colette Murphy has been Atkinson’s Chief Executive Officer since 2012.