Welcome

---

On behalf of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, I am honoured to extend a warm welcome to the 2024 Canadian Business Leader Awards.  

We are thrilled to have you with us as we celebrate the exceptional achievements of Canada’s business leaders. These individuals raise the standards of innovation and entrepreneurship and continually demonstrate their commitment to the success of our shared future. I know that the stories of purpose, passion and perseverance shared by this year’s award recipients will serve as a testament to the excellence of the Canadian business community.  

This evening, we recognize the remarkable contributions of Darrell Jones and Don Lindsay. Both honourees exemplify the values of excellence, innovation, collaboration and leadership. These values are also the foundation of the Canadian Chamber’s continued commitment to building thriving businesses, a strong economy and a better life for all Canadians.  

I would like to thank the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel, our esteemed sponsors and all those whose dedication has made tonight’s event possible. Please enjoy yourselves as you participate in what is sure to be a memorable evening! 

Hon. Perrin Beatty
President and CEO 
Canadian Chamber of Commerce 

Evening Program

---

5:00 p.m.	Cocktail Reception
6:00 p.m.	Opening Remarks by Robin Gill and Perrin Beatty
6:45 p.m.	Presentation of the Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award
7:15 p.m.	Main Course Followed by Dessert, Coffee and Tea With Instrumental Entertainment by Kadabra
8:00 p.m.	Presentation of the Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award
8:25 p.m.	Closing Remarks
8:30 p.m.	Evening Concludes

About the Canadian Business Leader 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  

---

Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award and Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award. 

2024 Honourees | Vancouver, BC 

---

Canadian Business Leader of the Year

Darrell Jones  
President   
Pattison Food Group  

Darrell Jones embarked on his 48-year career in the food business in Cranbrook, B.C., as a retail grocery clerk at the local Overwaitea store. From there, his career with Save-On-Foods advanced through a series of progressively senior operating roles across 23 stores and communities. In 2012, Darrell was promoted to president of Save-On-Foods, where his frankness, charisma and business savvy guided the strategic development of the company, and in 2021, Darrell was named president of the newly formed Pattison Food Group. 

Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award    

Don Lindsay
Chair of the Board, Manulife Financial Corporation and Former President and CEO, Teck Resources Limited 

Don Lindsay began his career as an underground labourer at a uranium mine in Northern Saskatchewan. After completing his education at Queen’s University and spending several years working in mining operations, followed by an MBA from Harvard, Don worked his way through the ranks of executive leadership with CIBC World Markets, then Canada’s largest investment bank, and ultimately was appointed President. 
 
Don joined Teck Resources Limited as President in January 2005 and assumed the additional responsibility of Chief Executive Officer in April 2005. He stepped down as CEO in September 2022 and remained as advisor to the Board and management until May 31, 2023, when he retired from the company. He is currently a Director of BHP Group Limited, Chair of the Board of Manulife Financial Corporation, as well as Chair of the Invictus Games Vancouver-Whistler 2025. 

Master of Ceremonies

---

About Robin Gill

For 27 years, Robin Gill was on the airwaves as a journalist at both the national and local level. In her role as Global National correspondent and anchor, she served Canadians across the country in delivering major stories, which included the pandemic, the floods and fires in British Columbia, and countless federal elections. Her journalism career has taken her to reporting stints in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. In 2022, Robin switched careers and took on the role of Vice President at Talk Shop Media where she consulted for major Canadian companies and non-profit organizations. Robin now spends her time communications consulting, media training and freelancing as a radio talk show host. 

Entertainment

---

About Kadabra

Kadabra is a Nuevo Flamenco group from Vancouver, B.C., that has been performing for over 20 years. The group consists of Dave Martone, guitar; Brian Poulsen, guitar; Sam Shoichet, bass; and Jack Duncan, percussion. 

Dave leads the group through the musical decades, performing a huge repertoire of music with fiery interpretations of music ranging from Gipsy Jazz, Latin, Flamenco, Pop, Rock, Metal, and more. 

Their sets can be tailored to more background styles or full-on concert performances. All the musicians are seasoned professionals who have performed at the top of their game in a multitude of styles! 

Thank You to Our Sponsors