Justin Poy is the Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month (Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture) and one of the founders of multicultural advertising and marketing in Canada. He began his career as a writer in broadcast journalism at CTV’s local Toronto station (CFTO) and Canada AM. In the early 90’s he established one of the country’s first ad agencies specializing in reaching ethnic communities, with a focus on immigrants from Asia, which he soon parlayed into a full service ad agency. He built his reputation on the strength of the Chinese community, which was establishing itself in mainstream society at the time in Canada. He was often invited to be “the first Chinese Canadian” to participate in various committees and boards, but soon took that voice and influence to bridge the gap that still exists today. Justin uses his background and experience to educate others in the field of marketing, advertising and philanthropy, which he sees as all working closely together — building the goals, promoting the message, making the ask. He was a Co-Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ "Diversity to Inclusion” series, which gave rise to a unique diversity program for fundraisers across Canada.
Justin has won numerous awards for his work in advertising and philanthropy. He is a Director of the SickKids Foundation, a Charter Member of the Board of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Advisor to the Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library at U of T, a Founding Cabinet Member for TIFF Bell Lightbox (establishing the Chinese Canadian Box in Theatre One and the Justin Poy 伍雋雄Cloak Room) and has established scholarships including The Justin Poy Agency Award at Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media. For his service to the country, he was awarded the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals and was inducted into the Chinese Canadian Legends by ABNA Canada. Justin is recognized as alumni of distinction at both The Toronto French School and Ryerson University, and is a recipient of the University of Toronto’s Arbor Award.