 In 2016 he initiated the Canadian Freedom of Association Award, to be granted annually to a person or organization for promoting knowledge and compliance with international standards regarding the rights to organize and bargain collectively.In addition to his research and activism in labour and human rights, Adams was a candidate for a seat in the Ontario legislature, served as Executive Director of the Hamilton Civic Coalition, and was a columnist for the Hamilton Spectator, Straight Goods and International Union Rights.He is also a scuba diver, parachutist, mountaineer, amateur magician, memoirist and holds a black belt in Tae Kwan Do.