David Tsubouchi
David has persevered throughout his life. David’s wrote his memoirs in his book entitled “GAMBATTE“; the Japanese word for persevere.
David is the Registrar Emeritus of the Ontario College of Trades. David holds a B.A. from York University, a J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School, an LL.D. from Assumption University in Windsor, a D.S. Litt. from Huntington University in Sudbury and C. Dir. from the Directors College.
Elected Official
In 1988, David was elected as a Councillor for the Town of Markham serving for 6 years becoming the first Japanese Canadian to be elected in Ontario. In 1995, David became the first Japanese Canadian to be elected to a provincial legislature and also to serve as a Cabinet Minister. David has held several cabinet posts in the Ontario Legislature including Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Solicitor General, Chair of Management Board and Minister of Culture.
Volunteer Campaign Chair
David, as the campaign chair, has raised millions of dollars for non-profit organizations and institutions including Seneca College, George Brown College, and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. David has raised millions to support the Rising Sun Campaign assisting victims of the tsunami and earthquake in Japan.
David has received numerous awards and honors. These awards include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, The Bruce Bryden Award (York University), and The Award of Merit From the Japanese Canadian Community.
Diversity Advocate
David has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion for most of his life. He has been recognized by being awarded the Diversity Award, NAAAP 100 from the North American Association of Asian Professionals and the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL) Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to being short-listed for Senior Executive of the Year Award with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) David is proud that the Ontario College of Trades has been recognized as being one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the last two years.
David’s memoir, “GAMBATTE” was published by ECW Press and was nominated for the Speaker’s Book Award.
