WeirFoulds LLP is pleased to announce that partner emeritus John McKellar was recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal – a commemorative medal honouring significant contributions and achievements made by Canadians. John received the medal in recognition of his signficant contributions to the arts community in Canada.
“To those who know John, it comes as no surprise that he would be recognized with such an honour,” says WeirFoulds managing partner Lisa Borsook. “He has truly created a legacy which extends beyond the reaches of law, having dedicated so much of his time to advising, counselling, support and volunteerism in the arts community. This is a well-deserved honour.”
A seasoned lawyer with a broad practice area covering most commercial, corporate and not-for-profit matters, John has provided pro bono advice to struggling artists, arts groups and over 50 non-profit organizations, including the Canadian Stage Company, Toronto Heritage Foundation and the Design Exchange. He is also Chairman of the Toronto Arts Council and of the Young Centre for the Performing Arts (a joint venture of Soulpepper Theatre and George Brown College) at the Distillery District; Vice-Chairman of the Ontario Arts Foundation and the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund; and a board member of the Tarragon Theatre, Off-Centre Music Salon and the Glenn Gould Foundation.
In recognition of his contributions to the community, John was recognized with the 2011 Edmund C. Bovey Award, which is bestowed annually upon a Canadian business leader who has spent a lifetime contributing to Canadian Arts and Culture. He also recently presented the Glenn Gould Prize to Leonard Cohen on the stage of Toronto’s Massey Hall.
Congratulations John!