Milton Wong

Milton Wong awarded with Vancouver's highest honour, the Freedom of the City

Milton Wong was awarded the Freedom of the City award on August 1, 2011.

A generous and dedicated business leader

Born and raised in Vancouver, Mr. Wong embarked on a long and successful business career after graduating from the University of British Columbia. He founded his own investment firm, which was subsequently acquired by HSBC, where he served as chairman until his retirement.

Throughout his professional career, Mr. Wong has shown remarkable business acumen combined with a strong sense of social responsibility. He has made tremendous contributions to Vancouver across a wide spectrum of fields – finance, arts and culture, sustainability, community development, multiculturalism, academia and philanthropy.

Tremendous contributions touched the lives of so many citizens

He founded the Laurier Institution, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the study of Canadian diversity. He was instrumental in the creation of the internationally renowned Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival, and has been a key fundraiser and advisor for Science World, the Salvation Army, Red Cross, BC Cancer Agency, and YMCA.

Mr. Wong also served as Chancellor of Simon Fraser University and his significant donation helped relocate the SFU School for Contemporary Arts to the Woodward’s redevelopment.

In recognition of his many achievements, Mr. Wong is also a recipient of the Order of Canada, the Order of British Columbia, and the City of Vancouver Civic Merit Award.

About the Freedom of the City award

The Freedom of the City is the highest award given by the City of Vancouver. The City grants the award only in exceptional cases to individuals of the highest merit. The recipient is usually someone who has gained national and international acclaim in the arts, business, or philanthropy, and who has brought recognition to Vancouver through his or her achievements.

The City began honouring individuals with the Freedom of the City Award in 1936.

Recipients of the award are recognized during a special ceremony at Council, which consists of the reading and presentation of a framed scroll, the Freedom Medal, and a decal that permits free parking at City parking meters. Recipients have their names inscribed in the Book of Freedoms and are entitled to be called Freeman of the City of Vancouver.

Members of City Council nominate individuals for the award. According to the Vancouver Charter (Section 205), these nominations must be approved by unanimous vote of Council.