John is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, with over 20 years of active engagement in employee and student resource groups. He serves on the board of Kids Help Phone (KHP), a critical 24/7 e-mental health service supporting Canadian youth. In 2023 alone, KHP connected 4.7 million times with young people seeking support, with 52% of users self-identifying as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Through his leadership as an immediate past board member of Rainbow Railroad (RR), John helped the global not-for-profit facilitate emergency relocations and bring to safety individuals persecuted for their sexual orientation or gender identity. From 2022 to 2024, he enabled the BMO Rainbow Deposit initiative, raising $150,000 through social media campaigns supporting RR. Within BMO, John stands as one of the most senior, visible, and vocal members of the LGBTQ+ community, championing equity through career sessions, mentorship for LGBTQ+ employees, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ allyship.
