James Hughes, President and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission, receives the National Assembly Medal of Honour

The Old Brewery Mission is very proud of this honour, which underscores the organization’s innovative approaches to breaking the cycle of homelessness for good. Under James Hughes’ leadership, first from 2004 to 2008 and again since 2020, the Old Brewery Mission has redoubled its efforts to strengthen its professional practices and modernize its services, for example by setting up a department working exclusively on prevention, to respond to the complex and changing face of homelessness.

“This well-deserved award recognizes a career dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives,” said Louis Audet, Chair of the Board of the Old Brewery Mission. “James has made an immense contribution to marginalized communities. His unwavering commitment has helped make the Old Brewery Mission a leader in the field of homelessness in Canada. He has poured his heart and soul into promoting human dignity, improving the well-being of vulnerable people and supporting the right to housing for all, regardless of the challenges, and he has touched the lives of thousands of people. This distinction reflects on the entire Old Brewery Mission team that James has inspired with his leadership and innovative expertise.”

This prestigious award highlights not only James Hughes’ landmark achievements but also the Old Brewery Mission’s significant impact in finding solutions to break the cycle of homelessness. Under his leadership, the organization continues to develop innovative initiatives and strengthen its commitment to providing a more stable and dignified future for people in precarious situations.