Mayor Olivia Chow recognized Dr. Joseph Wong’s remarkable achievements by presenting him with the Key to the City on Thursday. Dr. Wong, a well-respected figure in Toronto, was honored for his exceptional contributions to the Chinese community and his tireless advocacy for seniors over the span of five decades.
Having migrated from Hong Kong, Dr. Wong established a successful family medical practice and later spearheaded an initiative to provide culturally and linguistically tailored care for elderly individuals. This endeavor resulted in the inception of the inaugural Yee Hong Centre in 1994, which has since grown to encompass four locations across the Greater Toronto Area. Additionally, Dr. Wong took a stand against stereotypical representations of Chinese Canadian students in the media during the late 1980s through an impactful campaign.
Reflecting on Dr. Wong’s impactful legacy, Mayor Chow emphasized his unwavering dedication to addressing societal challenges, including supporting refugees, advocating for senior rights, and promoting justice for students. The Key to the City, a prestigious honor bestowed by the Mayor, is reserved for individuals or groups who embody Toronto’s essence and have made significant contributions to the community.
Past recipients of this esteemed recognition include notable personalities such as filmmaker Sarah Polley, musician The Weeknd, director Guillermo del Toro, His Highness the Aga Khan, musician Gordon Lightfoot, and the Toronto Raptors, who clinched the 2019 NBA Championship.