Building Pathways to the Skilled Trades, One Experience at a Time
For many young people, a career in skilled trades can feel like a path they haven’t yet had the opportunity to explore. What does a day in the life of an electrician look like? What skills does it take to become a mechanic or carpenter? And how do you turn an interest in trades into a career? Canada is facing a growing need for skilled tradespeople. By 2033, the country will need more than 1.4 million new trades workers, with more than 410,000 job openings expected in the construction sector alone. For young people, meeting that demand starts with awareness. Before choosing a career in the skilled trades, students need opportunities to see what those careers look like, meet the people working in them and experience the skills firsthand. That’s where JA Canada’s Skilled Trades Summits come in. Throughout the 2025–26 academic year, 23 Skilled Trades Summits connected 1,716 students with hands-on opportunities to explore careers in the skilled trades, delivered in partnership with Colleges and Institutes Canada. Rather than simply learning about the trades, students had the opportunity to experience them. From the classroom to the job site At each summit, students heard directly from skilled trades professionals, including electricians, mechanics, carpenters and other industry leaders. Through panels and conversations, they learned about different career journeys, challenges and opportunities, including perspectives from women and BIPOC leaders working in the trades. They also got to put skills into practice. Interactive workshops helped students build transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, adaptability, creativity and collaboration. Live demonstrations and hands-on activities gave students the chance to explore the tools, technologies and techniques used across different trades, while networking opportunities connected them with industry professionals who could answer questions about apprenticeships, certifications, education and employment pathways. For some students, these experiences sparked a new interest. For others, they helped turn an existing curiosity into a possible career path. Taking the trades to more communities The impact of the Skilled Trades Summits is also creating new opportunities to expand access. During September 2025, 90 youth in the Northwest Territories explored pathways to the trades in collaboration with Aurora College, bringing hands-on career exploration to students in the region. Read More Partners are helping make that growth possible. Enterprise Mobility and Imperial Oil joined as supporting sponsors, helping enhance Skilled Trades Summit activations, while new partners have joined them in a shared commitment to supporting Skilled Trades Summits in 2026 and beyond. Building Canada’s skilled workforce of tomorrow Canada needs a strong and diverse skilled trades workforce, but before young people can imagine themselves in these careers, they need opportunities to see what’s possible. Skilled Trades Summits create that first connection. And as the program continues to grow, so do the opportunities for more young people across Canada to discover where a career in the skilled trades could take them. Learn more about the program and how you can get involved: Click Here Source: Government of Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, Discover careers in the skilled trades (2026). Love1 Share Share Share Pin
More Than a Business: What Students Learn Through JA Company Program
From developing a product to navigating challenges as a team, JA Company Program gives students the opportunity to experience what it really takes to build and operate a business. For students participating in JA Company Program, the experience goes beyond developing a product or making sales. Over the course of the program, they take on real responsibilities and work alongside their peers and make decisions that shape their businesses. JA Company Program gives high school students the opportunity to transform an idea into a functioning small business and gaining hands-on experience across areas such as product development, marketing, sales, financial management and teamwork. But according to students who have experienced the program firsthand, some of the most valuable lessons happen beyond the business plan. Hear from our Students Learning to lead, delegate and ask for help For Iris O’Keefe, a student from Henry Wise Wood High School in Alberta, her experience as VP Marketing for BloomBar taught her the importance of stepping up and learning to lead through challenges. BloomBar developed handmade soap bars packaged in plantable, seed-embedded paper, with a goal of reducing packaging waste while building a community around its product. “I learned the importance of leadership, and how to step up for what I believe in,” Iris shared. Her experience also taught her the importance of asking for help. As the company grew, she found herself balancing JA responsibilities with schoolwork and realized she needed additional support from her team. “I learned that asking for help is not as scary as it seems,” she said. For another student, who served as President of BloomBar, leadership meant learning when to listen rather than immediately trying to solve a problem. “Oftentimes, everyone is eager to come up with solutions, but especially in circumstances like conflict, encouragement through listening and understanding really brings up a team,” the student explained. That experience helped them better understand their teammates’ strengths and become more flexible when plans changed. Turning an idea into something real One of the most rewarding parts of Company Program is seeing an idea move from concept to reality. “I really loved being able to work with everyone on my team and really see how just this idea could turn into a real product,” the BloomBar President shared. That same sense of accomplishment stood out for Iris, who said the experience changed how she viewed her own capabilities. “I truly believe now that if I have a dream I am now able to achieve it.” For Qasim Pardhan of Oakridge Secondary School in Ontario, that transformation happened over four years in JA Company Program. Qasim participated throughout all four years of high school, taking on roles including VP of Finance, VP of Technology and President. His companies included Cargo Clean, SCAN Apparel, Bloom Bracelets and ReSwipe. His teams experienced success at the regional and national levels, with ReSwipe ultimately winning Company of the Year at the JA Canada national competition. Yet when asked what surprised him most about the program, Qasim didn’t point to the awards. “Going in I didn’t expect an extracurricular to teach me as much about leadership, teamwork, and communication as it did.” Learning through real challenges The hands-on nature of Company Program means students also encounter challenges that can’t always be solved by following a textbook. For Qasim, one of the biggest lessons was delegation. Instead of trying to handle every task himself, he learned how to train others, trust his teammates with responsibility and create systems that helped the company operate more efficiently. He also developed practical skills in task management, spreadsheets and automation that he expects to use well beyond entrepreneurship. For the BloomBar President, another important lesson came from discovering just how much a company’s presentation can influence its success. “Customers don’t necessarily see all the work that happens behind the scenes but they see the brand and the experience you create around the product,” the student said. The experience showed them that having a strong product is only part of the equation. How a company communicates and markets that product can influence how customers respond to it. The value of stepping outside your comfort zone While each student entered Company Program with a different role and experience, their advice to future participants was remarkably consistent: take the opportunity and get involved. “It’s an environment where you’re allowed to mess up, and you’ll learn a ton from that,” Qasim said. He encourages students to stick with the experience even if it feels uncomfortable at first, emphasizing that many of the skills developed through the program extend well beyond business. Another student offered similar advice, encouraging participants to attend as many trade shows as possible to meet new people, practice talking about their products and build confidence. For Iris, Company Program is an opportunity for students who want to learn how businesses are built, solve problems and connect with like-minded peers. “JA Company Program is where you’ll find your calling.” Building skills that go beyond entrepreneurship The students’ experiences reflect what makes JA Company Program different from simply learning about business in a classroom. By creating and operating a real venture, students have the opportunity to apply their learning, work through uncertainty and see the results of their decisions firsthand. They develop skills in areas including teamwork, leadership, marketing, sales and financial management, while also building confidence, communication and problem-solving skills. And sometimes, the most lasting lesson isn’t about running a company at all. It’s learning how to trust a team, speak up when you need support, make a difficult decision, try something outside your comfort zone and keep going when things don’t go according to plan. Ready to build something of your own? Learn more about JA Company Program and how students can get involved: JA Company Program Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Helping Youth Imagine What Comes Next: Inside JA Canada’s World of Choices
A career decision can feel very big when you don’t know what’s possible or what options are out there. For many young people, the world of work can feel like a collection of familiar job titles and pathways they may not know exist, making it difficult to imagine where their interests and skills could take them. That’s where mentorship and exposure can make a difference. According to MENTOR Canada’s Mapping the Mentoring Gap study, 54% of young adults recalled at least one time during their childhood or adolescence when they wished they had a mentor but did not have access to one (MENTOR Canada, 2021). This highlights the importance of creating opportunities for young people to build supportive relationships and explore their futures. JA Canada’s World of Choices is designed to change that by helping youth explore what’s possible, discover new career pathways and build confidence as they prepare for their future. Through conversations with professionals across a wide range of industries, gives young people something they can’t get from a career list, the opportunity to see the possibilities for their future. Throughout the 2025–26 academic year, World of Choices connected 18,925 young people across Canada with professionals who shared more than their job titles – they shared the experiences that shaped their careers. These conversations can be powerful because career paths rarely happen in a straight line. A student who arrives thinking they have one future in mind may leave having discovered an entirely different possibility. But perhaps the clearest measure of that impact comes from the students themselves. Their reflections offer a glimpse into how these conversations can shape the way young people think about careers, possibilities and their own potential. World of Choices is made possible because professionals and organizations are willing to open the door and share what they’ve learned. Their role goes beyond supporting an event. By sharing their experiences, volunteers help young people understand that careers are built through exploration, curiosity and sometimes unexpected opportunities. The world of work continues to change, and the choices young people face are becoming increasingly complex. That makes access to real-world perspectives more important than ever. As JA Canada enters another year of World of Choices, the goal remains simple: give young people more possibilities to consider before they decide what comes next. Because sometimes, one conversation is all it takes to make a career feel possible. Learn more about the World of Choices program and how you can get involved: Learn more here Source: MENTOR Canada. (2021). Mapping the Mentoring Gap: The State of Mentoring in Canada. Love0 Share Share Share Pin
JA Canada Launches Alumni Advantage Platform with Founding Partner Elevating Human Capabilities Fund
August 13, 2026 National For 60 years, JA Canada has been shaping the next generation of leaders. Today, we are delighted to announce an investment in what comes next — engaging JA alumni throughout their careers and creating new opportunities to lead, learn, connect, and contribute. JA is proud to welcome Zabeen Hirji through the Elevating Human Capabilities Fund (EHC Fund) as the Founding Partner of JA Canada’s Alumni Advantage Platform. The Platform is JA Canada’s new national alumni engagement strategy, designed to strengthen lifelong connections, celebrate alumni achievement, accelerate careers and entrepreneurship, and inspire alumni to make social impact. Now in her Purposeful Third Act, Zabeen Hirji’s current roles include Governor on the Board of JA Worldwide, Chancellor of Trent University, and Executive Advisor to business and public sector leaders. Following a distinguished career at a major Canadian bank, culminating as Chief Human Resources Officer, her cross-sector work focuses on helping organizations and communities strengthen leadership and workforces for an AI-enabled world. “The future will be shaped by people who never stop leading, learning, and creating opportunities for others. JA Alumni Advantage is building an intergenerational alumni community to cultivate responsible leadership, advance careers and entrepreneurial ambitions, and create opportunities that ripple far beyond themselves. I’m excited to support this initiative, which reflects my belief that investing in people is one of the most powerful ways to unlock human potential and build inclusive prosperity in an AI-enabled world,” said Zabeen Hirji. The Elevating Human Capabilities Fund’s multi-year investment will help build a vibrant national alumni community. It will expand opportunities for alumni to network, mentor, volunteer, advocate, continue learning, and contribute to JA’s mission. “This founding commitment will support JA Canada’s ongoing efforts to connect and unlock the potential of alumni and fuel the engagement of a thriving community that will connect thousands of JA alumni as mentors, volunteers, advocates, and champions,” said Scott Hillier, CEO of JA Canada. This milestone partnership, recently announced at the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, will mobilize JA alumni across Canada, enable the annual JA Alumni Achievers Celebration, and launch a new Learning and Leadership Series designed to support alumni across their career and entrepreneurial journeys. By bringing together alumni across generations, the Platform reflects a shared belief that learning and leadership do not end when a JA program concludes. It will strengthen the human capabilities and relationships that matter most in an AI-enabled world while celebrating alumni achievement through a new national award and annual recognition experience. The initiative also builds on the strength of JA’s global alumni network. “Our alumni demonstrate that the impact of JA extends far beyond the classroom. With over 150 million alumni from more than 100 countries, JA has cultivated a global network of leaders who continue to shape business, government, and civil society,” said Asheesh Advani, Global CEO, JA Worldwide. “We are deeply grateful to Zabeen Hirji, a member of the JA Worldwide Board of Governors, for this catalytic investment which will help JA Canada become an innovation lab and network leader in showing how connected alumni can mentor the next generation of leaders!” said Advani. JA alumni are invited to join the JA Alumni Advantage Platform and become part of a growing, multi-generational community committed to lifelong learning, responsible leadership, and creating opportunities for others. Join Gather, the global JA alumni network, and explore a network full of opportunities. Organizations and individuals interested in supporting the Platform through partnerships, programming, mentoring, or sponsorship are encouraged to connect with JA Canada to learn more contact Oli Maynard-Langedijk, Director, Business Development & Partnerships at [email protected]. Love1 Share Share Share Pin
Celebrating a Transformative Partnership with Z Zurich Foundation for Mental Well-being
Empowering the Next Generation: Wrapping Up Phase I and Looking Ahead.
Over the past three years (2022-2025), our partnership with Z Zurich Foundation has empowered youth across Canada by promoting mental wellbeing and resiliency as critical pillars for lifelong success.
JA PEI announces Hon. Marci Ien as host of the 27th Annual PEI Business Hall of Fame Gala
March 12, 2026 Prince Edward Island Charlottetown, PE – Junior Achievement Prince Edward Island (JA PEI), along with emcee sponsor Cox & Palmer, are pleased to announce the Honourable Marci Ien as the host for the 27th annual PEI Business Hall of Fame Gala presented by Provincial Credit Union. “I’m truly honoured to co-host the JA PEI Business Hall of Fame Gala and celebrate the leaders who have helped shape Prince Edward Island’s business community. What makes the evening even more meaningful is the work Junior Achievement PEI does every day—giving young people the confidence, skills, and inspiration they need to imagine what’s possible for their future. When we invest in young people, we invest in the strength of our communities.” Ien is a former host of The Social, and news anchor on Canada AM. She served as a Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre and as the Minister of Gender Equality and Youth, and continues to advocate for equality and inclusion. JA Company Program student from Grace Christian School, Emeka Aniobi, will join Ien as co-host for the evening. “I am truly grateful to JA for this wonderful opportunity to co-host this event alongside the esteemed Hon. Marci Ien in front of many prominent figures in the PEI business industry,” Aniobi said. “I am blessed to learn from this experience and thankful for what I have learned through being a part of the JA Company Program.” The PEI Business Hall of Fame was established in 1998 by JA PEI to provide a forum to pay tribute to Island business leaders who have made outstanding and enduring contributions to business development and their communities. Inductees are chosen by an independent selection committee comprised of leaders in the Island business community. Inductees will be officially honored at the JA PEI Business Hall of Fame Gala on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Delta Hotels Prince Edward by Marriott. This year, JA PEI honours 27 Years of Celebrating Today & Inspiring Tomorrow. It is the aim of JA PEI that by celebrating the achievements of outstanding business leaders of today, Island students will be inspired to follow their example. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available by emailing [email protected] or calling the JA PEI office – (902) 892-6066. Tickets are $225 per person and tables of eight are $1,800. About our Hosts Hon. Marci Ien The Honourable Marci Ien is a former Canadian politician, journalist, and television personality who has built a remarkable legacy in both public service and media. Known for her unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice, Marci became a powerful force in Canadian politics and a role model to communities across the country. In 2020, Marci made the bold move from broadcasting to politics, running as the Liberal Party candidate in the Toronto Centre by-election. The riding, previously held by former Finance Minister Bill Morneau, elected her to the House of Commons on October 26, 2020. Just a year later, she was appointed Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet. As Minister, Marci led with clarity and conviction, championing national policies that pushed Canada toward a more inclusive future. She launched Canada’s first-ever National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, a 10-year, nationwide strategy developed alongside provinces, territories, and advocacy organizations. The plan was a milestone effort to tackle root causes of violence and ensure meaningful, consistent support for survivors across the country. She also launched Canada’s first 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, a groundbreaking initiative to advance equality and support queer and gender-diverse communities. Under her leadership, the federal government committed historic levels of funding to fight discrimination and create safer, more welcoming spaces for all Canadians. Before entering public life, Marci was one of Canada’s most respected journalists and broadcasters. She began her career at CHCH-TV in Hamilton before joining CTV News in 1997. As co-anchor of Canada AM, she helped wake up the nation each morning with warmth, insight, and thoughtful reporting. Later, as a co-host on The Social, she brought heart and clarity to conversations about culture, current events, and everyday life. Over the years, she interviewed world leaders, entertainment icons, best-selling authors and top athletes, bringing their stories to life with curiosity and compassion. Her excellence in media and advocacy earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Harry Jerome Award from the Black Business and Professional Association and an Honorary Degree from Humber College, recognizing her impact as a trailblazer and change-maker. Throughout her career, Marci has remained grounded in one powerful principle: great leadership begins with listening. She believes in always learning, leading with empathy, and creating space for others to rise. Her legacy is one of meaningful impact — not just for today, but for generations to come. Emeka Aniobi Emeka is a joyful person! His name, which means “God has done great things,” serves as the foundation for his life’s mission: serving others with excellence, faith, and joy. He is a firm believer that while it takes a village to raise a child, it takes intentionality and servanthood to grow as a leader. A student leader at Grace Christian School, Emeka has spent his school years stretching his capabilities – delivering announcements to a 350-person church congregation and launching a hot chocolate business through the JA Company Program. He recently had the honour of representing Junior Achievement PEI on stage at the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce Gala to help accept the Non-Profit of the Year award. While he is mastering the art of the business pitch, Emeka eventually plans to trade the boardroom for the operating room as a medical doctor. He views what he has learned from his diverse experiences as an opportunity for stewardship, living by the words of 1 Peter 4:10: “Just as each one of you has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace.” From warming the hearts of GCS students with hot chocolate and Biblical encouragement to diligently working towards his dream of medical school, Emeka approaches every challenge with a servant’s heart. He is honoured to co-host this year’s Business Hall of Fame and celebrate the great things happening in the PEI business community. For further information: Ben Macintosh, Digital Communications CoordinatorJA Prince Edward IslandP: 902-892-6066 | E-mail: [email protected] About JA Prince Edward IslandJunior Achievement Prince Edward Island (JA PEI) helps Island youth build transferable skills in the areas of work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. JA PEI collaborates with educators, volunteers, and organizations across the Island to deliver hands-on, immersive, and digital learning experiences to 7,000 students in grades 3-12. JA’s mission is to inspire and prepare students to succeed in a global economy. Love0 Share Share Share Pin
JA PEI announces laureates to be inducted at 27th Annual PEI Business Hall of Fame Gala
February 24, 2026 Prince Edward Island Charlottetown, PE – Junior Achievement Prince Edward Island (JA PEI), along with presenting sponsor Provincial Credit Union, are pleased to announce the 2026 inductees into the JA PEI Business Hall of Fame. The PEI Business Hall of Fame was established in 1998 by JA PEI to provide a forum to pay tribute to Island business leaders who have made outstanding and enduring contributions to business development and their communities. Inductees are chosen by an independent, arms-length selection committee comprised of leaders in the Island business community. Inductees will be officially honored at the JA PEI Business Hall of Fame Gala on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Delta Hotels Prince Edward by Marriott. This year, we honor 27 Years of Celebrating Today & Inspiring Tomorrow. It is the aim of JA PEI that by celebrating the achievements of outstanding business leaders of today, Island students will be inspired to follow their example. Tickets are now available by emailing [email protected] or calling the JA PEI office – 902-892-6066. Tickets are $225 per person and tables of 8 are $1,800. About the 2026 JA PEI Business Hall of Fame Laureates Harvey Stewart Harvey Stewart is the founder of H.F. Stewart and Sons and Trout River Industries, two businesses that have made significant contributions to Prince Edward Island’s manufacturing and construction sectors. He founded H.F. Stewart in 1989, followed by Trout River Industries in 1999, when he and a business partner designed and built their first live bottom trailer as an alternative to traditional dump trailers. Today, Trout River Industries is one of Canada’s established manufacturers of live bottom trailers, exporting across North America and to international markets including the Middle East, Jordan, Iceland, Mexico, and Australia. The company remains headquartered in Coleman, PEI, employing Islanders year-round and continuing to operate and grow from rural West Prince. Raised on a farm in western PEI as one of twelve children, Harvey developed a strong work ethic at an early age. He pursued hands-on training, completing a welding program at Holland College before starting his first business. Harvey built his companies through practical skills, determination, and a willingness to take calculated risks, overcoming challenges related to market acceptance, logistics, and international expansion. Harvey has remained deeply involved in his community throughout his career. He has been a member of the West Point Fire Department for more than 40 years and currently serves as Chief. He has also served with the West Point Development Corporation, sat on the board of Resources West for five years, and served five years on the O’Leary Community Sports Centre’s Board of Directors. His professional and community contributions have been recognized through several honours, including the Governor General of Canada’s Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, selection as one of Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEOs, and a Holland College Distinguished Alumni Award. Harvey Stewart’s career demonstrates how a business founded in rural Prince Edward Island can achieve sustained growth while remaining rooted in its local community. Kathy Hambly Kathy Hambly is the former Executive Director of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce. Previously, Kathy served as the Director of Business Development with Innovation PEI, as Director of Marketing and Development for the Confederation Centre of the Arts, founder of the Small Business Centre at Holland College, and owner of her retail clothing business, Katherine’s Ltd. Kathy is an active community volunteer. Since her retirement from the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, Kathy served on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Human Resources and Corporate Governance Committee of Maritime Electric Company Ltd., as a member of the Board of Governors of the University of Prince Edward Island, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Charlottetown Airport Authority. She is past-Chair of the Board of Governors of Holland College; past-President of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce; recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for her work on the Board of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of PEI; a former board member of Junior Achievement of PEI; and has volunteered with many other community groups and industry associations. Kathy graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration Degree. She was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada with the Executive of the Year Award in 2015. Kathy has spent her career involved in the Island business community as a business owner, advocate and champion of entrepreneurship. She places a high value on education as demonstrated by her volunteerism in the post-secondary sector. She has served as a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs and the next generation of business leaders. Kathy has three daughters, Kelly, Becky and Emily McMillan and is married to Sandy Gillis. Robert K. Irving After graduating with a Business Degree from Acadia University, Robert Irving started working in the J.D. Irving, Limited family business. He is co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited and is responsible for consumer products both in tissue and diapers, frozen food processing, transportation and courier, as well as industrial human resource services. Mr. Irving is also President of Cavendish Farms. Cavendish Farms operates four frozen potato processing plants in North America including two on Prince Edward Island. The company also operates an appetizer plant in Ontario. Highly involved in the community, Mr. Irving supports a wide variety of youth education and literacy programs and is an active fundraiser and champion for community health and development. Mr. Irving is also involved with the Moncton Wildcats Hockey team. Mr. Irving co-chaired the Holland College Learning. For Life. capital campaign, chaired the Healthy Returns, Centennial and Extraordinary Care campaigns for the Friends of the Moncton Hospital, as well as the Capitol Theatre Encore, Spotlight on the Future campaign. In 2011, Mr. Irving received the Builder of Youth Lifetime Achievement award from the Boys & Girls Club of Moncton in recognition of his leadership and contributions. In July 2014, Mr. Irving was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by The Rotary Clubs of the Greater Moncton area in recognition of his longstanding charitable work. In November 2014, Robert was inducted into the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame. In 2016, the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick honored him with its Champion of Literacy Award. In 2020 he received the Order of Moncton and in 2023 he was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. In 2024, he was invested into the Order of New Brunswick. Mr. Irving lives in Moncton, New Brunswick with his wife Jill. They have four adult children and four grandchildren. For further information: Ben
JA Alumni in the News: Turning Point
December 17, 2025 Saskatchewan What started as an In-School JA Company Program experience in 2021 has now developed into an apparel business in Regina, SK: Turning Point. The business stays close to it’s mission and donates 20% of their profits to support to mental health and suicide prevention by supporting the You Matter Foundation. In November, Logan Curle & Tayson Smith were featured in a CTV segment to share more about Turning Point. This was a great opportunity to feature the business, where it began and where it is going. Logan Curle was also the recipient of the 2022 JA Future Leaders Scholarship referencing his experiences with through JA and the JA Company Program and the early days of his involvement with Turning Point. CTV Media Segment Watch CTV Segment Learn About Turning Point Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Long-standing Funding Support Helps JA Close Critical Gaps in Youth Financial Education
December 16, 2025 National TORONTO, Dec. 16, 2025 /CNW/ – Financial Literacy has never been more essential for young people in Canada. As students navigate an increasingly elaborate financial landscape marked by the rising cost of living, new technologies and changing economic realities, the need for financial education is part of the evolving landscape we’re responding to. As stated by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, “financial literacy has taken on increased importance in an ever more complex financial world.” This message is the driving force for Junior Achievement of Canada (JA Canada), that remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing financial empowerment to youth with funding support from TD Bank Group (TD). As JA’s National Financial Literacy Sponsor, TD supports program development and innovation as well as the delivery of a foundational program, Dollars with Sense. Through these programs, JA aims to create meaningful and lasting impact by ensuring students gain essential skills that can help build everyday financial confidence and help enable them to make real-world decisions that can support their long-term success. “Effective financial literacy education requires the collaboration of multiple organizations,” said Scott Hillier, President & CEO of JA Canada. “TD amplifies this work by bringing real-world expertise into classrooms and supporting program innovation that helps equips students with practical financial skills for life.” Students who have participated in JA Canada’s program have already experienced remarkable outcomes, including: These results reflect the types of learning experiences JA aims to create to help strengthen the financial health of young people across the country. “As students navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape, JA Canada’s work plays a vital role in helping young people build confidence in everyday money management. That’s why, we’re proud to support JA Canada as it continues to create opportunities for youth to access practical financial education that can help contribute to long-term financial well-being.” Said Robyn Small, Senior Manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability & Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group. Looking ahead, and with continued support from TD over the next three years, JA Canada is proud to continue its mission to equip 80,000 students with the essential tools, knowledge, and confidence to help them succeed. Love1 Share Share Share Pin
Canada Represented at JA Americas Company of the Year Competition in Brazil
December 11, 2025 National In November, Canada proudly represented at the JA Americas Company of the Year (COY) competition, held this year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our Canadian champions, TopShelf, earned their spot among the top 20 student-led companies across the JA Americas region and were invited to take part in this unique opportunity and in-person event. With a mission to inspire childhood literacy through beautifully illustrated books, TopShelf impressed judges and peers as they pitched their company, networked with teams from across the Americas, and showcased their products at the Trade Fair. This experience offered an incredible opportunity to build connections and celebrate the creativity and innovation of JA Company Program participants from across the region. Adding to Canada’s presence at the event, JA Central Ontario alumna Micole joined as a COY Influencer, sharing highlights and behind-the-scenes moments on social media to bring this exciting experience to a wider audience. COY Americas Media Gallery Love0 Share Share Share Pin