Presenting the 2008 Calgary’s Bravest Man, Gordon Wong

The Wilson Centre for Domestic Abuse Studies at Calgary Counselling Centre (CCC) has been at the forefront of domestic abuse counselling and advocacy in the community for a quarter century. With a focus on proactive programs that seek to end the cycle of abuse before it begins, we have seen dramatic progress in awareness and treatment of both victims and offenders. Over that time, there has been an increase in awareness of domestic abuse as a prevailing issue within the community, and growth in available counselling services for parties affected by domestic abuse. We are proud of the many people diligently working to end domestic abuse in our society, including the 2008 Calgary’s Bravest Man, Gordon Wong and CCC’s Christine Berry.

Former Chief Crown Prosecutor Gordon Wong is the 2008 Calgary’s Bravest Man Award recipient.

When the Bravest Man committee concluded their search for the 2008 Calgary’s Bravest Man Award recipient, they had only one tiny problem – the chosen candidate was speaking at a conference in Winnipeg the same night as the gala. But, typically modest Gordon (Gord) Wong was probably more comfortable with the way things worked out – no big splash in the headlines, no news at 11.

For former Chief Crown Prosecutor Gordon Wong, quiet and understated is what marked his remarkable work in the Calgary courts. The 2008 Calgary’s Bravest Man Award recipient is responsible – though modestly claims he was one of many - for moving the Calgary Court system to be more responsive to the prosecution of domestic violence cases.

“Brave men are making a difference to help end abuse in our community,” says Robbie Babins-Wagner, Calgary Counselling Centre CEO. “This year’s Bravest Man Award emphasizes the importance of male voices openly recognizing and talking about domestic abuse and calls on leaders to take action on a local level.”

Since taking the Chief Crown Prosecutor office in 2002, Gord has expanded the way domestic violence prosecution is handled in the Calgary courts system – ensuring the courts address some of the recommendations from the Mayor’s Task Force on Community and Family Violence, to address forms of violence in Calgary. In November, he announced his retirement from office.

Gord was committed to the launch of a dedicated domestic violence trial court in Calgary to compliment the first appearance court. Modelled after best practices, Calgary’s court system now has a passionate group of prosecutors dedicated specifically to domestic violence cases.
Because they only deal with domestic violence criminal prosecution, their expertise in dealing with the broad range of cases has strengthened. The lead time from initial charges to prosecution is shorter and there are specialized prosecutors who guide people through the legal system.

Calgary’s Bravest Man Award recognizes a prominent male community leader who has made a remarkable contribution to raising awareness about the issue of domestic abuse in Calgary. Award nominees are selected for their achievements in advocating for the prevention of domestic abuse by speaking publicly about the issue and committing to the cause by serving as a volunteer on domestic abuse prevention or related committees.

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