Marvin Rotrand Receives King Charles III Coronation Medal for Outstanding Community Service
On January 16, Marvin Rotrand, long-time former Montreal City Councillor and former member and Chair of CUTA’s Transit Board Members Committee, was honoured with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. The award ceremony, held via Zoom, was presided over by Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather and attended by family, friends, and leaders of the many community groups Marvin collaborated with during his more than 40 years as an elected official and community leader.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions to Canada, their province, territory, and local community or achieved exceptional accomplishments abroad that bring credit to the country. The nominations undergo review and approval by Governor General, Her Excellency, Mary Simon, and this marks the medal’s inaugural year, commemorating the first anniversary of King Charles III’s reign.
“This is an exceptional honour for an exceptional man,” said Michael Roschlau, former CUTA President & CEO.
Marvin’s 39-year tenure as a Montreal City Councillor, concluding with his retirement in 2021, was characterized by his deep dedication to public transit. From 2001 to 2018, he served as a board member of the Société de Transport de Montréal (STM), primarily as Vice President. During this time, he actively participated in CUTA’s Transit Board Members Committee, including serving as Chair. His impactful work with STM and CUTA earned him CUTA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2017. Marvin played a pivotal role in shaping CUTA’s advocacy for federal investment in transit, transforming federal funding from virtually non-existent in 2001 to significant contributions today, thanks to collaborative efforts with CUTA and other stakeholders.
Reflecting on his achievements, Marvin noted that his work with CUTA colleagues to secure bipartisan support for dedicated transit infrastructure funding was among the most impactful projects of his career. During his ceremony, he expressed that seeing the results of that advocacy, with tangible investments in transit infrastructure, has been incredibly rewarding.
“Marvin’s dedication to public transit and community service has left an incredible legacy, not just in Montreal but across Canada. His tireless advocacy helped shape federal transit investment as we know it today, and his leadership continues to inspire those working to improve mobility and equity in our cities,” said Marco D’Angelo, CUTA President & CEO.
Since retiring from municipal politics, Marvin has continued his dedication to public service and advocacy. In February 2024, he became Director General of United Against Hate Canada, a human rights organization focused on combating hate and intolerance. Previously, from 2021 to 2024, he served as National Director of B’nai Brith’s League for Human Rights, where he worked tirelessly to address issues of discrimination and promote inclusivity.
Marvin’s legacy as a champion of public transit and human rights serves as an enduring inspiration to those who strive to make a difference in their communities.