Login / RegisterMilton Wong granted Freedom of the City award by Vancouver city council
Businessman and humanitarian Milton Wong is the recipient of the city's highest honour.
Today, the City of Vancouver issued a statement announcing that Wong has received the Freedom of the City award.
“Milton Wong is highly deserving of this recognition for his tremendous contributions to Vancouver,” Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a city news release. “His leadership, generosity and dedication have touched the lives of so many citizens and he’s truly an inspiration to us all.”
Wong, who was born and raised in Vancouver, is suffering from cancer and was unavailable for comment.
He founded the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival, played a pivotal role in the creation of Science World, and has raised funds for the Salvation Army, Red Cross, B.C. Cancer Agency, and YMCA.
Wong, a former chancellor of Simon Fraser University, provided a significant donation to move SFU's School for Contemporary Arts to the Woodward’s complex downtown. He created the Laurier Institution, which educates people about the economic and social implications of diversity, and he's on the board of the Trudeau Foundation.
Wong achieved fame in the business world in the 1980s as a money manager, and eventually sold his investment firm to a bank. He has been a member of several corporate boards, including Rio Tinto Alcan, Seaspan Corp., and Day4Energy Inc.
Wong is the second Vancouver resident of Asian descent to be awarded the Freedom of the City. Former lieutenant-governor David Lam received this honour in 1993.
Four others have received the award in the past decade: former mayor Art Phillips (2010), orchestra leader Dal Richards (2005), former prime minister Kim Campbell (2002), and architect Arthur Erickson (2002).
The Freedom of the City is only granted with the unanimous consent of council. Wong can now be called a Freeman of the City of Vancouver. Recipients receive a framed scroll, the Freedom Medal, and a decal that lets them park for free at city meters.
Related article: Let's change the name of Dunsmuir Street to Milton Wong Boulevard
Answer: Bondmen of the city of Vancouver.
Enjoy your slavery!
The system is dysfunctional with politicians, who are suppose to be public servants, having the latitude of kings and emperors to tax and spend and make all sorts of proclamations. Perhaps we can have a "Milton Wong" bike lane along the middle of Georgia Street. I know my grandmother at least would be pleasantly surprised.
Again, forget the race and emphasis the character.
As to Wong so what? He has enough public attention to last a life time.
The real heroes in this city are the people who put up with this dunce we have for a mayor sucking up to various groups to get their community's votes. It was the Filipinos, now the Chinese. Who's next.
For the first time I believe this guy can lose the next election because his true character or lack of it is coming out.
He is a great man and great men do not need plumes to make them feel like great men.
Like someone said Gregor is pandering to a voting community and it is so transparent it hurts.
I agree that Milton's race is utterly irrelevant. What counts is that he is a very good Canadian, and a great human asset to the people of Vancouver.
At a time in Milton's health when he needs the reciprocal gift of love and support, this is a very small 'thank-you' indeed. Council was correct to award it, as are we to applaud it.
Do we announce first white person when great white people do something great? No!!!!!!!
Your sarcastic comment that misses the point is noted.
So you think freedom is earned, rather than inherent? You are only free once the Corporate Collective deems you free? Sounds pretty sick to me.