Mr. Donald K. Johnson

  • Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Order of Canada

  • Companion of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: April 17, 2026

    Donald K. Johnson, C.C.
    Toronto, Ontario

    Donald K. Johnson has strengthened business education, health care and the arts through transformative philanthropy and leadership. His major gifts to the Ivey Business School, the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, and leading cultural institutions complement his ongoing advocacy to remove capital gains tax on charitable gifts to increase donations nationwide.
    This is a promotion within the Order.

  • Officer of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: May 25, 2009
    • Invested on: September 03, 2010

    Donald Johnson has had an indelible impact on Canadian philanthropy. A business leader known for his persistence, he successfully lobbied the federal government to fully eliminate the capital gains tax on gifts of listed securities to charitable organizations. This change in our tax laws has helped to increase the amount of charitable giving by billions of dollars. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Toronto Western Hospital's Donald K. Johnson Eye Centre, the largest clinical research institute for vision in Canada. Also actively involved in his community, he has served on numerous boards in health care, education, social services, the arts and business sectors. This is a promotion within the Order.

  • Member of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: October 29, 2004
    • Invested on: June 10, 2005

    Former vice-chairman of BMO Nesbitt Burns, Donald Johnson has lent his financial expertise to a variety of not-for-profit organizations, strengthening the social fabric of our country. His great determination and perseverance brought about major changes to the Income Tax Act, which introduced new incentives that have helped to revitalize the charitable sector with an infusion of funds. An active volunteer, he has worked tirelessly in support of the National Ballet of Canada, the Eye Research Institute of Canada, as well as the universities of Western Ontario and Manitoba.