The Honourable Philip and Anita Lee are receiving the 2023 Magis Award for Influence and Leadership for their lifelong dedication to serving the community and fostering unity within Winnipeg’s Chinese-Canadian community. Their journeys have been a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of building bridges between cultures.
Philip Lee emigrated from Hong Kong and studied at St. Paul’s College and the University of Manitoba, earning his degree in Chemistry in the 1960s. Anita Lee, born in Canton, China, came to Winnipeg to attend school for computer training in 1968. She has been both successful in business and a dedicated community volunteer promoting Chinese business enterprises and charities. Philip and Anita’s growing family attended Christ the King Chapel for many years, where he served on the University Catholic College Committee that supported the chapel ministry and outreach projects. In 2009, Philipp was appointed as Manitoba’s 24th Lieutenant-Governor (2009-2015), making history as the first Chinese-Canadian to hold this prestigious position in Manitoba.
“When I arrived from Hong Kong in 1962, it was a different landscape,” explained Honourable Philip Lee. “Canada did not adopt multiculturalism as a policy until 1972. However, the university was relatively multicultural then as I was one of the founders for the "International Students Organization, (ISO)" on campus at U. of M. Almost immediately after arriving at the University of Manitoba and St. Paul’s College, I was welcomed warmly by the community. I was mentored by many individuals and collaborated with some like-minded peers in the 1960s and 1970s, who introduced me to different cultural groups and civic leaders to help promote a strong multicultural Canadian community. Some of those friends included Father Driscoll, S.J.; Father Braceland, S.J.; Charley Foo, Hung Lee, Iris Schenk, Professor Diane Johnson Dowling, Joe Du, Hon. Sterling Lyon, Bill Norrie, Olive MacPhail, among others. When we come together and find common goals, a strong community-at-large can be built. When Anita joined me in Winnipeg in 1968, she quickly started volunteering in the community with me.”
Anita and Philip Lee's story is a tale of community service and unwavering commitment to advocating for the concerns of Manitobans of Chinese heritage. For over four decades, they tirelessly worked to bridge the gap between the Chinese-Canadian community in Winnipeg and the broader community. Their extensive involvement in various organizations, including the Human Rights Council of Manitoba and the Multiculturalism Council of Canada, is a testament to their dedication to improving the lives of others.
“I was fortunate that I grew up bilingual as I was educated by Canadian nuns in elementary school and Irish Jesuits in secondary school,” said Honourable Philip Lee. “Of course, there were cultural differences to overcome, but that is not an obstacle. That was an opportunity to learn from others. When it comes to leadership, there are always challenges and people who will challenge you whenever you take on any initiative. The key is to be open-minded, respectful and surround yourself people who appreciate varying perspectives. This philosophy is what we as a family try to live by in all aspects of life.”
One of Anita and Philip Lee's most enduring contributions to the community is their involvement in constructing iconic landmarks like the Chinese Gate and Garden. These cultural landmarks stand as a testament to their dedication to preserving the heritage and culture of the Chinese-Canadian community in Winnipeg. Their influence during Philip’s time as Lieutenant-Governor, advocating for the visually impaired and promoting equal opportunities for youth, extended far beyond their tenure, leaving a lasting impact on the province of Manitoba.
“Be open-minded and respectful,” answered Honourable Philip Lee when asked what message they would like to convey to future leaders and students who aspire to make a positive impact on their communities. “Put in the hard work to achieve something great. There are no shortcuts or handouts. Anita and I are now both considered an elder statesperson in the Chinese community. In a blink of an eye, we went from being the young couple in our 20s with young daughters who were energetically volunteering under community leaders like Charley Foo and Hung Lee. Now, we are the grandparents. Young leaders need to be patient and learn from their experiences. More importantly, learn from our mistakes. Today, you see people who try to race to take power or play dirty. I guarantee you will have a much better time volunteering and leading when you work respectfully as a team.”
The Honourable Anita and Lee's lives and achievements are shining examples of the positive impact one individual can make on their community and legacy as bridge-builders and advocates for multiculturalism that will continue to inspire generations to come. Their exceptional leadership, humility, and dedication make them deserving recipients of the 2023 Magis Award for Influence and Leadership.