Events
Toronto Canadian Business Leader Awards
June 19, 2025 | The Fairmont Royal York Hotel | Toronto, ON
Welcome
On behalf of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, I am honoured to welcome you to our 2025 Canadian Business Leader Awards ceremony.
Tonight is not only a celebration of outstanding business leadership — it’s a celebration of community. We are proud to shine a spotlight on the many community partners joining us this evening, whose efforts help create a more inclusive, innovative, and connected Canada. Their involvement underscores the powerful role that collaboration between business and community can play in building a stronger future for us all.
This evening, we recognize the remarkable contributions of Edward Rogers and Arlene Dickinson. Both honourees exemplify the values of excellence, innovation, collaboration and leadership. Their stories inspire us and remind us that business success and social impact go hand in hand.
I would like to thank the Fairmont Royal York, our esteemed sponsors and all those whose dedication have made tonight’s event possible. Please enjoy yourselves as you participate in what is sure to be a memorable evening!
Candace Laing
President & CEO
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Evening Program
| 5:00 p.m. | Cocktail Reception |
| 6:00 p.m. | Welcoming Remarks by Canadian Chamber President & CEO Candace Laing |
| 6:25 p.m. | First Course |
| 6:45 p.m. | Presentation of the Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award |
| 7:15 p.m. | Main Course |
| 8:00 p.m. | Presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award |
| 8:30 p.m. | Evening Concludes |
About the Awards
Our Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award and Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award were established to celebrate and recognize Canadian business executives at the top of their fields who have distinguished themselves through stellar corporate leadership and meaningful contributions to their communities.
Past Recipients
Explore the remarkable leaders we’ve honoured over the years.
2025 Honourees | Toronto, ON
Canadian Business Leader of the Year
Edward S. Rogers
Executive Chair
Rogers Communications Inc.
Edward Rogers is Executive Chair of Rogers Communications Inc. and serves as Chair of Rogers Bank, the Toronto Blue Jays, CableLabs and Constantine Enterprises. Edward also serves on the Board of Directors of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE).
Prior to his appointment of Executive Chair in August 2024, Edward was Deputy Chair of Rogers from September 2009 through 2017 and Chair from January 2018 until his Executive Chair appointment.
One of the most significant milestones of Edward’s tenure as Chair was overseeing the merger between Shaw and Rogers, which to date is the largest telecommunications merger in Canadian history. He also played a pivotal role in Rogers recent deal to acquire Bell’s 37.5% ownership stake in MLSE, solidifying the company’s leadership position in Canadian sports and entertainment.
Prior to joining the Rogers Board, Edward served in various operating capacities at the company for over 20 years, including as President & Chief Executive Officer of Rogers Cable Inc. from 2003 to 2009. He also served on the board of the Sick Kids Foundation from 2006 to 2020. Since 2019, Edward has been an active member of the Scarborough Health Network (SHN) and serves as the Honorary Co-Chair of its fundraising campaign, “Love, Scarborough.”
Mr. Rogers served on the Economic Advisory Council from 2010 to 2013, established by the late Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance at the time, to provide advice to the federal government on a broad range of fiscal, economic and financial issues.
Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award
Arlene Dickinson
Founder and General Partner
District Ventures Capital
Arlene Dickinson is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with a remarkable track record of success. She is the Founder and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies in the food & beverage and health & wellness sectors. Under her leadership, District Ventures Capital has become a leading force in the industry, with a portfolio of ground-breaking companies that are transforming the way we live and eat.
Beyond her business ventures, Dickinson is a sought-after speaker, three-time best-selling author, and philanthropist. She is widely recognized for her role as a Venture Capitalist on the hit television series, Dragons’ Den, where she currently has starred for over 15 seasons.
Dickinson’s leadership and entrepreneurial prowess have earned her numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame, the Marketing Hall of Legends, recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards. Dickinson served as an honorary captain of the Royal Canadian Navy for over 10 years visiting our troops overseas numerous times.
With her unwavering commitment to excellence, her passion for innovation, and her deep dedication to her community and country, Arlene Dickinson is a true Canadian icon and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and vision.
About the Supersonic Hearts Band
With years of experience in the industry, the Supersonic Hearts Band are live music experts and party starters. They infuse every event with energy and fun, and pride themselves on filling dance floors! From jazz and R&B to rock and contemporary, there is always something special in store when these musicians take the stage.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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