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Canadian Chamber Celebrates the Nation’s Business Leaders Driving Progress and Prosperity 

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Announces the Recipients of the 2026 Canadian Business Leadership Awards

November 10, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON | November 10, 2025 – At a moment when Canadian business leadership is essential to shaping a strong economy and a better life for all, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Canadian Business Leader of the Year, Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement, and International Business Leader of the Year awards. 

These awards celebrate exceptional leaders who exemplify what it means to be a nation, business and community builder. Together, this year’s honourees reflect the spirit of Canadian enterprise that thrives on collaboration, connection and a shared commitment to building a resilient and globally competitive economy.  

“Business leadership in Canada has always been about more than profit — it’s about purpose and progress,” said Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “Business leaders have the long-term vision, the knowledge and the expertise to truly drive economic change and create prosperity for Canadians. The leaders we celebrate this year remind us that when businesses invest in their people, their communities, and their country, Canada moves forward. They prove that national prosperity and business success are inseparable.” 

Laing added, “These awards highlight the influence and impact of Canadian business leadership at home and abroad. Our honourees illustrate the kind of bold, values-driven leadership that ensures Canada remains a prominent and trusted force in the global economy.” 

Awards Ceremony and Honourees

The 2026 Canadian Business Leader Awards will be celebrated in four major cities across the country, honouring visionary leaders who exemplify excellence in their industries and beyond: 

Montreal, QC | May 21, 2026

  • Canadian Business Leader of the Year: Janie Béïque, President and CEO, Fonds de solidarité FTQ 
  • Lifetime Achievement: Jacynthe Côté, Chair of the Board, Royal Bank of Canada 
  • NEW International Business Leader of the Year Honouree: Alain Bouchard, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board, Alimentation Couche-Tard 

Toronto, ON | June 4, 2026

  • Canadian Business Leader of the Year: John Graham, President and CEO, CPPIB 
  • Lifetime Achievement: Linda Hasenfratz, Executive Chair, Linamar

Calgary, AB | September 17, 2026

  • Canadian Business Leader of the Year: François Poirier, President and CEO, TC Energy  
  • Lifetime Achievement: Dave Werklund, Founder and Executive Chair, Werklund Ventures 

Vancouver, BC | October 15, 2026

  • Canadian Business Leader of the Year: Amar Doman, Founder, Futura Corporation 
  • Lifetime Achievement: Jim Pattison, Founder, Jim Pattison Group

This year marks an exciting evolution in the Canadian Chamber’s awards program — the International Business Leader of the Year, which spotlights how Canadian businesses continue to make their mark both domestically and around the world,  will join the Montreal lineup, bringing a fresh agenda to the evening’s celebrations. For more information on the Canadian Business Leader Awards and to view the full list of honourees, please visit our event webpage.

From the Honourees

I am very proud to receive this recognition, and I share this pride with my team and with the more than 808,000 workers who entrust us with their savings, which we put to work to support the growth of businesses in Québec. The Fonds de solidarité FTQ was born from a powerful vision more than 40 years ago: to make a positive difference in our society. Today, as our economy undergoes major changes, I am proud to lead an organization whose impact and values are truly making a difference here at home. 

Janie Béïque, President and CEO, Fonds de solidarité FTQ 

Receiving this recognition is a tremendous honour that I share with all the exceptional teams I’ve had the privilege to work with—whether during my time leading Rio Tinto Alcan or serving on the boards of RBC, CGI, Transcontinental, Alloprof, and the Sainte-Justine Foundation.  

This journey reflects a shared commitment to building purpose-driven, innovative organizations that make a positive impact for people and our economy. My sincere thanks to the colleagues, partners, families and friends who have supported and inspired me throughout the years. This achievement is theirs just as it is mine, and together, we’ll keep shaping a future that strengthens communities and creates opportunity for all. 

Jacynthe Côté, Chair of the Board, Royal Bank of Canada 

Receiving this tribute touches me deeply. If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that surrounding yourself with the right people is the key to any lasting success. The strength of a company lies in its culture, built every day by passionate women and men. I believe in the power of passion to give meaning to our work, and in humility to keep learning, growing, and sharing. Thank you to those who have walked alongside me and continue to do so in this great adventure.   

Alain Bouchard, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board, Alimentation Couche-Tard 

I’m honoured to accept this on behalf of everyone at CPP Investments. Our purpose is simple: we invest and grow the CPP Fund for the long term so more than 22 million Canadians can build financial security in retirement. We do that with strong partners in Canada and around the world. Thank you to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for recognizing work that’s helping to build a more resilient and prosperous future for Canadians.  

John Graham, President & CEO, CPPIB

I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. This award is not mine alone—it’s a reflection of the dedication of the entire team at TC Energy. I’m proud to work alongside colleagues who bring an unwavering commitment to excellence every day.  

Energy has always been more than a profession—it’s a purpose. We find ourselves at a pivotal moment for Canada’s energy future. There is a growing recognition for the critical role energy plays in building our economy and supporting Canada’s economic sovereignty.  

I know the best is yet to come—for TC Energy, the industry and the people and communities we serve in Canada, North America, and the world. 

François Poirier, President and CEO, TC Energy

I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition of lifetime achievement as a business leader and humbled to stand among so many respected leaders who have shaped Canadian business. Over the past six decades, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside remarkable people and organizations dedicated to innovation, principle-centered leadership, and opportunity. This honour belongs as much to them as it does to me — the colleagues, partners, and employees who have shared in my journey, and my family whose support has inspired me to continue pushing the flywheel in the right direction. I remain committed to principled-centered leadership which I believe is the only road to true and lasting success.  And while this lifetime achievement award is truly meaningful, I’d like to think, I’m just getting started!     

Dave Werklund, Founder & Executive Chair, Werklund Ventures

It is a true honor to receive the Canadian Business Leader Award. This recognition is not only a reflection of professional achievement, but a testament to the values that guide me every day — integrity, community, hard work and family. I’ve always believed that business success means very little if it isn’t used as a platform to uplift others, invest in people, and contribute meaningfully to the world around us. Whether it’s through mentorship, community initiatives, or supporting youth in sport, I remain committed to building a legacy rooted in service, purpose, and impact. I’m grateful for this acknowledgment — and even more excited for the work still ahead. 

Amar Doman, Founder, Futura Corporation

I am grateful to receive the Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. This would not be possible without the many dedicated people across our businesses whose hard work, integrity, and commitment to the customer have made everything we’ve achieved possible. I have been fortunate to work alongside remarkable individuals for many years, and this recognition is a reflection of their efforts. My sincere thanks to the Chamber for this meaningful acknowledgement. 

Jim Pattison, Founder, Jim Pattison Group

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — working to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success, and impact on business and economic performance.  

Media Contact:

Shane Mackenzie
Vice President, Media and Stakeholder Communications
613.302.7683
smackenzie@chamber.ca

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