Markham Councillor remembered for his dedicated service to the community
MARKHAM, ON – June 18, 2009 – Markham Regional Councillor Tony C. Wong, known for his personal and political dedication to community service, has died after an extended illness. Mr. Wong’s family nformed the Town of Markham of his passing on June 17. Councillor Wong began his political career in 1997 when he was elected to Markham Council. He was then appointed by Council as Regional Councillor. He continued this service for six years – two terms – until 2003 when he was elected as Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Markham. While serving as MPP, he was appointed Parliamentary Assistant for the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, and later served as Parliamentary Assistant to Premier Dalton McGuinty in the newly-created Ministry of Research and Innovation. Among many of his provincial government responsibilities, he served as vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills, and was appointed by Cabinet as the founding chair and member of the Small Business Agency of Ontario.

In 2006, Mr. Wong returned to municipal politics with his election as Markham Regional Councillor. Throughout his three terms of municipal office, Regional Councillor Wong provided extensive and extremely valuable contributions to the community through 23 public service appointments. Among these, he served as vice-chair of the York Region Character Council, as chair of the Markham Task Force on Affordable Housing, on the York Region Task Force on Homelessness, and on the boards of York Region United Way, Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, East Metro Youth Services, and St. John’s Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.

Tony Wong also extended his community service at a personal level. In 1996, he founded Markham’s Give- A-Gift Project that provided over 1,000 wrapped Christmas gifts to children in need. He was also a strong supporter of D.R.E.A.M.S. Inc. and Spirit of Life, groups dedicated to raising awareness about individuals with developmental disabilities and which help their families to eliminate barriers. A lawyer by profession, Mr. Wong served on the York Region Police Services Board and acted as an advisor to many community associations including the Asian Business Network. Before pursuing his career in law, he obtained his B.A. in Mathematics and Master of Science degree.
 
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, who served alongside Councillor Wong for most of his political career, said: “We will all miss his presence and influence around the Council table. The community will miss a dedicated public servant who advocated for the less fortunate in our society and dedicated himself to bridging the many cultures of Markham to help develop a greater understanding and appreciation of our diversity.”
 
Councillor Wong was instrumental in forging strong business relationships and partnerships in arkham and abroad on behalf of the Town. He played a critical role in organizing Markham’s business mission to China in 2008, and was involved in other domestic and international business ventures. More recently, Councillor Wong served as chair of York Region Planning and Economic Development Committee and Markham’s Economic Development Committee.

Mr. Wong lived in Markham with his wife and daughter. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and
colleagues.