BMO celebrates historic donation of BMO Leader and great Canadian philanthropist, Donald K. Johnson, O.C.
BMO’s longstanding culture of giving is a point of pride for our bank. That spirit of generosity is exemplified by business leader and philanthropist Donald K. Johnson, O.C., who recently donated $2 million to the C.D. Howe Institute, an influential think tank and source of trusted non-partisan policy intelligence. Their mission is to raise Canadians’ living standards by fostering economically sound public policies.
Johnson currently serves as a member of the BMO Capital Markets Advisory Board. Previously, he was President of Burns Fry and Vice Chairman of Nesbitt Burns (predecessors to BMO Nesbitt Burns). He has supported charities across Canada and was instrumental in creating the largest clinical research institute for vision in Canada, the Toronto Western Hospital’s Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute.
With this gift, Johnson has become the largest cumulative donor in the Institute’s history. His contribution will greatly enhance their capacity, supporting research, events and engagement with policymakers. And now, the Institute has announced that the auditorium at its new Toronto office will be named the Donald K. Johnson Auditorium.
“Don is a long-time member of the C.D. Howe Institute and a pillar of support for its mission to promote Canadian prosperity. His regular participation in discussions at the Institute’s policy events makes his name on our auditorium particularly apt.”
– William B.P. Robson
President and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute
BMO is committed to helping build stronger communities – and our employees give their time and money to work toward that goal every day. In 2024, 90% of our employees personally donated $31 million to BMO’s strategic partner, the United Way, and thousands of other community organizations across North America as part of our 14th annual industry-leading Employee Giving campaign.
“We all share a responsibility to build a better country, and that starts with informed dialogue. There is no better place to be part of conversations about Canada’s future than at the C.D. Howe Institute, where leaders and experts converge to turn ideas into action.”
– Donald K. Johnson
Member, Advisory Board, BMO Capital Markets
Find out more about BMO’s culture of giving and the work we’re doing to strengthen our communities.
