Former auto dealer John Carmichael is pleased to be recognized and receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which is awarded on behalf of the Governor General of Canada.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is given to an individual who made a significant contribution to a province, territory, or community in Canada. He received The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal for similar contributions in 2013 while serving Canada as a Member of Parliament from 2011-2015.
He received the King Charles Coronation Medal at a reception in early March in Toronto.
John bought City Buick Pontiac Cadillac in 1992 from the estate of his father, Jack, and later served as Chairman of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, President of the Toronto Automobile Dealers’ Association, and President of the Canadian International AutoShow. He sold the dealership in 2010 to a group that included his son Michael.
In 2011, John sponsored a Private Member’s Bill entitled National Flag of Canada Act, providing protections for anyone wishing to fly Canada’s flag. He has been a company director in industry, hospital, and foundation boards and the Canadian Olympic Committee.
When John didn’t retain his seat in 2015, he joined the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council as Chief Executive Officer/Registrar before retiring in 2022. He was OMVIC’s founding Chair when the organization began in 1997. He maintains a connection to the automotive industry as Non-Executive Chair of UpAuto, which Michael started after selling his stake in City Buick.
John is not sure who submitted his name for consideration for the latest award — there is a protocol for approval with the Governor General’s office in Ottawa — but said it is a privilege to receive it.
“You work for a cause and things that are important to you in a public service environment, and it’s always nice when somebody recognizes you for your contributions,” said John. “They are very generous and I’m appreciative of them.”
Michael Carmichael said he is glad for his father to have received the King Charles award.
“My father has always worked tirelessly to support the various businesses and organizations he is involved with and has an unwavering commitment to serving our country,” said Michael.
“He never seeks recognition for his efforts, as his desire to serve is both genuine and heartfelt. However, this award is very well-placed and truly well-deserved. I cannot express enough how proud I am of him and how much this recognition means to our family. It is particularly gratifying to see his hard work and dedication being acknowledged in such a significant way.”
