Celebrating the JA Career Exploration Centre: Powered by Partners, Driven by Students
June 18, 2025 National JA Canada is proud to spotlight the Career Exploration Centre, our virtual, open-access learning platform that supports students aged 13–18 as they navigate future career possibilities. With interactive tools and sector-specific content, the Centre empowers young people with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their futures. This powerful resource continues to grow and thrive thanks to the incredible support of our partners. Their commitment to youth education and career readiness is driving meaningful impact and helping build a future full of possibility for young Canadians. The JA Virtual Career Exploration Centre Curious what’s inside? Keep reading to explore the three career rooms technology, skilled trades, and energy each packed with interactive experiences, videos, and real-world insights to inspire students across the country. Visit the Career Exploration Centre today and help prepare the next generation for success. Together with our partners, we’re opening doors to brighter futures. Interested in Sponsoring a Sector? Connect with Us Love0 Share Share Share Pin
2025 National Scholarship Recipient
We’re delighted to share JA Canada’s national scholarship winner. This year, the Seymour Schulich Entrepreneurship Scholarship was available to graduating students who participated in the JA Company Program (with one of the 14 local offices across Canada). As part of the application process, participants developed a personal reflection about their JA experience and how they’re now better equipped with new skills to help them in their future. The 2025 Scholarship Recipient is Chris Tao from JA South Western Ontario. Congratulations! Love0 Share Share Share Pin
JA Canada’s Virtual Trades Expo 2025: Empowering Youth with Career Exploration and Skills Development, Powered by VFairs, Announced for June 6, 2025
May 16, 2025 National Toronto, ON – JA Canada is excited to announce the upcoming Virtual Trades Expo on June 6th for youth powered by vFairs. The Trades Expo is the first National event to be hosted on JA’s Career Exploration Centre, a virtual platform designed to empower youth aged 13-18 with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their future careers. This easy-access, self-exploratory simulation provides students with a wealth of resources to explore emerging career opportunities and trends in trades, technology, energy, and more. JA Canada, along with its Career Exploration Center partners Amazon Canada, TC Energy, and RBC, is committed to equipping youth with the skills, toolsets, and mindsets necessary to become the employees and business owners that will drive Canada’s economic future. The Trades Expo will feature webinars on more than 15 trades, and the self-guided Career Exploration Centre provides a range of interactive learning modules, webinars, and downloadable resources designed to enhance students’ understanding of various career paths and the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market. By engaging in these JA learning experiences, students can gain valuable insights into different industries, helping them to identify their interests and strengths. “We are excited to offer youth an opportunity to explore Trades pathways through these engaging learning experiences. The Trades Expo and Career Exploration Centre demonstrate our commitment to preparing youth for the future,” said Scott Hillier, CEO of JA Canada. “The innovative platform not only provides essential career information but also encourages self-discovery and personal growth, ensuring that our students are well-equipped to navigate their career journeys,” said Hillier. “We are proud to support JA Canada’s Virtual Trades Expo and Career Exploration Centre in empowering youth to explore meaningful career paths. At vFairs, we believe technology plays a vital role in creating accessible and engaging learning environments. This innovative virtual platform perfectly aligns with our mission to provide tools that inspire self-discovery and prepare the next generation for success in a rapidly evolving job market.”– Muhammad Younas, CEO, vFairs The Trades Expo and Career Exploration Centre are free and accessible to youth, teachers, and parents. The Career Exploration Centre provides tailored guides that support and maximize the learning experience. Teachers can integrate the platform into their curriculum, utilizing the teacher guide and activities to align with educational standards and objectives. JA Canada has a long-standing history of delivering impactful educational programs focused on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. The Career Exploration Centre is the latest addition to JA Canada’s suite of offerings, reflecting the organization’s dedication to evolving and adapting to the needs of today’s youth. To explore the platform and register for the virtual Trades Expo visit Love0 Share Share Share Pin
2025 Royden Richardson National JA Volunteer Awards
At JA Canada, we are most grateful for our volunteer network. Last year, more than 6,000 volunteers across Canada helped us provide more than 445,000 learning experiences and opportunities to youth from coast-to-coast. Volunteers make all of this possible. National Volunteer Week is a wonderful time to celebrate our many volunteers. Each year, we recognize the recipients of the Royden Richardson National JA Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize volunteers whose participation has immeasurably furthered the aims and objectives of JA in Canada. This year, we’re delighted to recognize two volunteers in the programs category and one volunteer in the governance/administration category: Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers who make it possible for more youth to become inspired and prepared for the future! See a list of our current and previous award winners here. Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Press Release: Corporate Canada shows unprecedented support for the Canadian Business Hall of Fame
April 16, 2025 National TORONTO, April 16, 2025 /CNW/ – At this pivotal time for our nation’s economy, Canadian companies and organizations are demonstrating unprecedented support for the Canadian Business Hall of Fame (CBHF) annual celebration of business leadership. “The incredible roster of globally recognized brand corporations, foundations, education institutions who have pledged support is a testament to the mobilization and investment of the Canadian business community,” said Jim Leech, Chancellor Canadian Business Hall of Fame. Among those who have pledged support for the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in recognizing outstanding and inspiring business leaders are: Goodmans LLP, Peter and Joanne Brown Foundation, Beedie, Kilmer Group, Scotiabank, Franco-Nevada, Rio Tinto, National Bank Financial, RBC, NHL, The Globe & Mail, MLSE, Barclays, Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, Korn Ferry, Deloitte, Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited, OMERS, RioCan REIT, CGI, CIBC, Canaccord Genuity, TD Bank, Teck, Avanade, University of Utah, PwC, Maple Leaf Foods, Air Canada, TorQuest Partners, Colliers, TMX Group, Irving Oil, Cogeco The Fund, Southdown Builders Limited, Lafarge Canada, Porter Airlines, University of Toronto, KPMG, University of Utah. The Canadian Business Hall of Fame (CBHF) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of leaders for their transformative contributions to Canada’s prosperity and business landscape, with proceeds of the event fueling JA’s mission to empower tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and innovators. The CBHF stands as a beacon of Canada’s economic development and prosperity. Strengthening Canada today transcends mere patriotism—it’s representing a commitment to investing in our communities and a dedication to building a more promising future. The Induction Celebration carries exceptional significance as it unites influential Canadian leaders and committed sponsors in empowering our nation’s youth and inspiring the visionaries who will lead tomorrow’s Canada. Honouring Visionary Leaders On May 22nd in Toronto, the Canadian Business Hall of Fame will induct the 46th class of Companions to the order of the Business Hall of Fame. The honourees have roots in critical industries including financial services, sports, manufacturing, equity & investment, natural resources, property development, construction trades, entrepreneurship, and academia. The 2025 honourees: Ryan Beedie, O.B.C., President, Beedie; Jacynthe Côté, F. ICD, Chair of the Board, RBC; Pierre Lassonde, O.C., GOQ, Chairman Emeritus, Franco-Nevada Corporation; Larry Tanenbaum, O.C., Hon LLD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kilmer Group of Companies. “These individuals who represent the very best in Canadian enterprise, leadership, and significant philanthropic impact,” said Scott Hillier, JA Canada CEO, “Their achievements and community contributions reflect the diverse backbone of the Canadian economy and serve as role models for the next generation,” said Hillier. Supporting Canada’s Future EntrepreneursThe Canadian Business Hall of Fame is the signature fundraising event for Junior Achievement of Canada (JA Canada) and stands as a powerful call to action. Proceeds from this year’s event will support JA’s flagship Company Program, which equips youth with the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset to succeed in today’s business world. JA is renewing its program curriculum to meet the needs of Canada and scaling this internationally recognized program.“Our ambition is to empower more than 1 million Canadian youth annually, fueling the future pipeline of Canadian business leadership”, said Hillier. Join Us in Celebrating Canadian ExcellenceThe 2025 CBHF Induction Ceremony and Celebration will take place on May 22, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Featuring special guest, Heather Hiscox, Senior Host, CBC News Network.Ensure your organization is part of this national celebration of Canadian impact, innovation, and leadership. Sponsorship opportunities, tables and tickets remain available on a first-come, first-served basis for this exclusive event through May 1st, 2025. For more information, please visit cbhf.ca/participate.“At a time when supporting Canadian businesses is more important than ever, we invite organizations across the country to join the celebration of business leadership, knowing that your sponsorship will empower the next generation of business leaders made for Canada,” said Gary Kalaci, JA Canada Board Chair. View Full Press Release Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Press Release: JA Canada and Enterprise Mobility™ Join Forces to Build the Road Forward for Canadian Youth
April 01, 2025 National TORONTO, April 1, 2025 /CNW/ – Enterprise Mobility has selected Junior Achievement Canada (JA Canada) as a key partner of the ROAD Forward initiative, helping fuel programs and strategic initiatives that are preparing youth for post-secondary education and the future of work. Launched in 2020, Enterprise Mobility’s ROAD Forward initiative supports organizations advancing social equity in three key areas: early childhood development, youth health and wellness, and career and college preparation. “The ROAD Forward initiative was designed to help open doors for youth who are disproportionately affected by lack of access to resources in the areas of education, career preparation, health and wellness,” said Earl Jackson, Enterprise Mobility assistant vice president of strategic diversity initiatives. “ROAD Forward grants support outstanding organizations that are leading efforts to advance equity in our communities across North American and Europe – and we are thrilled JA Canada has joined us as key partner in this work.” Through 2030, the ROAD Forward investment will directly support 75,000 student learning experiences, fueling program enablement and delivery of highest in-demand career readiness, entrepreneurship, post-secondary preparation, and youth well-being programs and events in all provinces across Canada. “Building on the longstanding engagement of Enterprise Mobility in Western Canada this new national partnership is a game-changer for JA Canada as we work toward our strategic goal of delivering 1 million student learning experiences annually in the coming years,” said Scott Hillier, President & CEO of JA Canada. “With Enterprise Mobility’s investment, we are strengthening our ability to support students and scale delivery of high-impact programs that equip them with the skillset and mindset to thrive in the ever changing economy,” said Hillier. This partnership will support three suites of JA programs: self-directed and digital learning opportunities; classroom-based program delivery; and intensive experiential learning through after-school programs and events including JA Company Program. Students will develop transferable skills, explore academic pathways and benefit from direct access to career mentorship, practical experience, and industry expertise. Enterprise Mobility team members across Canada will join as JA volunteers, sharing insights and guidance to empower the next generation. “I have personally supported JA British Columbia, a part of JA Canada, for many years in various roles and have witnessed the profound impact JA programs have in empowering youth to cultivate essential skills for success,” said Troy Klemo, Enterprise Mobility vice president and general manager in Canada. “JA Canada is an ideal partner to help advance our efforts to bridge equity gaps and support the next generation of leaders in Canada.” The support of Enterprise Mobility will also drive several key strategic initiatives− ensuring JA programs remain relevant by supporting program renewal, innovation and ongoing EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) best practices; expanding career readiness programming into new regions, including the Northern Territories broadening access to self-directed learning for underserved communities; as well as developing the foundations of JA’s alumni engagement strategy, fostering lifelong connections with Junior Achievers. JA Canada is thrilled to build the road forward along Enterprise Mobility and creating pathways to success for tens of thousands of young Canadians. Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Introducing the Alumni Excellence Award to Celebrate 40 Years of Entrepreneurship and Community Leadership on PEI
February 26, 2025 Prince Edward Island Junior Achievement Prince Edward Island (JA PEI) is proud to announce the launch of its Alumni Excellence Award, commemorating 40 years of fostering entrepreneurship and business leadership across the Island. This award recognizes outstanding JA PEI alums and represents a milestone in JA’s commitment to fostering business leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. The successful candidate will embody the following values: Embraces the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Serves as an inspiring role model for future entrepreneurs and Island youth Ability to overcome challenges, commitment to continuous learning, potential for future growth, and positive influence on PEI’s Business Landscape Approaches work with passion, honesty, integrity, and excellence Committed to the betterment of PEI and the communities they serve Anyone, including oneself, can submit a nomination for the JA Alumni Excellence Award. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 4:00 PM via the nomination form. The successful recipient will be selected by the JA PEI Board of Directors and honoured at the JA PEI Business Hall of Fame Gala on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Press Release: JA Canada and RBC Collaborate to Empower Youth with the Skills for a Thriving Future
January 23, 2025 National World of Choices Skilled Trades Summit Photo Credit: Garcia Creative (CNW Group/JA Canada) TORONTO, Jan. 23, 2025 /CNW/ – JA Canada is proud to announce the renewal of its collaboration with RBC, reaffirming a shared commitment to equipping youth across Canada with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-changing global economy. This long-standing collaboration focuses on career readiness programs, with a particular emphasis on empowering young Canadians to explore skilled trades and emerging job opportunities. Through RBC’s continued support, JA Canada has been able to scale its World of Choices program, providing youth with invaluable opportunities to explore diverse career pathways. Interactive panels, workshops, mentorship sessions, and career fairs allow students to connect with industry professionals from a variety of sectors, offering firsthand insight into the skills and educational pathways needed to succeed in today’s job market. “RBC is committed to strengthening the workforce of tomorrow by supporting projects that focus on equipping youth with the skills needed for a thriving future,” said Gayle Corcoran, Sr. Director, Social Impact, RBC. “That is why we are proud to collaborate with JA Canada to help unlock the potential of the next generation by providing youth with the opportunities and programming needed to kickstart their careers with confidence.” The renewed collaboration also highlights RBC’s focus on fostering opportunities within the skilled trades, a critical area for Canada’s workforce development. As the National Community Partner of the World of Choices Skilled Trades Summits, RBC is supporting an innovative initiative aimed at inspiring young people to explore rewarding careers in skilled trades. As the need for trade professionals continues to grow across Canada – 700,000 of Skilled Trade Workers to retire by 2028 – these summits provide students with the tools, knowledge, and hands-on experiences to navigate potential career paths in this vital sector. These summits, delivered in partnership with Colleges & Institutes of Canada, will involve hosting more than twenty events each year across every province and reaching the Territories. Additionally, RBC is a National Supporting Partner of the JA Career Exploration Centre, an open-access virtual platform designed to support self-guided learning and exploration. Aimed at youth aged 13-18, the centre offers a range of learning resources focused on trends and emerging opportunities in the workforce. By engaging with these tools, students can make better-informed decisions about their future career choices. “JA Canada is excited to announce the renewal of our longstanding partnership with RBC,” said Scott Hillier, CEO of JA Canada. “This renewal strengthens our shared mission to prepare the next generation for an evolving workforce. RBC’s continued support allows us to enhance and expand our career readiness programs, providing youth with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the future of work.” Through this collaboration, we expect to reach over 24,000 direct beneficiaries across our series of initiatives. Together, JA Canada and RBC are creating opportunities for thousands of students annually, building a stronger, more resilient workforce, and preparing the next generation to seize their potential. View Full Press Release Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Press Release: JA Canada, Coke Canada Bottling and the Coca-Cola Company Partner to Advance Youth Employability in Canada
January 30, 2025 National TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 /CNW/ – Junior Achievement Canada (JA Canada) together with Coke Canada Bottling and The Coca-Cola Company are proud to announce a new partnership offering skills, experiences, and support to help Canadian youth overcome barriers to employment. In May 2024, Statistics Canada reported an approximate 30 per cent increase in unemployability rate among youth ages 15-24, a reality attributed to increased competition for less jobs and lack of experience. The initial findings from the RBC Young People and Economic Inclusion Longitudinal Study highlight the shortage of work-integrated learning opportunities for youth, which would inherently allow them to integrate in the workforce more successfully. Recent studies, highlighted by The Conversation, show that mentorship has the potential to improving social and economic outcomes for underserved youth. Moreover, a study by Être, indicates mentorship boosts confidence among teenage girls. Through this new partnership, Coke Canada Bottling employees will engage in career mentorship sessions with youth aged 14 and up across the country, sharing their personal knowledge about what it takes to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving job market. These sessions will take place through JA’s World of Choices events and a new program, called Pouring Potential: A JA Job Shadow Experience at Coke Canada, being piloted at select Coke Canada facilities and designed to provide opportunities for their manufacturing, distribution, merchandising, and warehouse employees to participate. World of Choices, JA Canada’s flagship work readiness program, is an interactive initiative designed to annually equip over 7500 high school students, with essential skills and knowledge to prepare them for future career success. Over 30 per cent of participants come from underrepresented and underserved communities. Pouring Potential: A JA Job Shadow Experience at Coke Canada offers youth with a unique job shadowing experience. These custom-designed events at select local Coke Canada facilities offer students an immersive opportunity to gain insights into the industry, develop career skills, and learn directly from professionals in the field. Both programs have been designed to shape the next generation’s career journeys, helping them realize their full potential and contribute to making a positive impact in local communities. Quotes from Leadership “We are thrilled to partner with Coke Canada to support the next generation of Canadian leaders,” said Scott Hillier CEO of JA Canada. “Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities that empower our young people to develop the skills they need to thrive in their careers, aiding to a stronger and more resilient workforce.” “We have a role to play in helping Canada’s youth be better enabled to gain employment through career mentorship, skill building, and work readiness. This new partnership allows our employees to share their unique work experiences and the skills necessary for their career success. We are excited to see this partnership come to life with our teams coast-to-coast.” – Todd Parsons, CEO, Coke Canada Bottling View Full Press Release Love0 Share Share Share Pin
The Canadian Business Hall of Fame and Junior Achievement of Canada Announce the 2025 Inductees to the Order of the Business Hall of Fame
December 10, 2024 National Ryan Beedie, Jacynthe Côté, Pierre Lassonde and Larry Tanenbaum will be honoured with induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, May 22, 2025. TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2024 /CNW/ – Each year, The Canadian Business Hall of Fame (CBHF) honours and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Canada’s business leaders for their vision, leadership, national and global economic impact, community engagement and philanthropy. Today, the CBHF is pleased to announce its 2025 Inductees to the Order of the Business Hall of Fame: Ryan Beedie, O.B.C., President, Beedie Jacynthe Côté, F. ICD, Chair of the Board, RBC Pierre Lassonde, O.C., GOQ, Chairman Emeritus, Franco-Nevada Corporation Larry Tanenbaum, O.C., Hon LLD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kilmer Group of Companies These distinguished Canadians will be formally inducted at the 2025 Canadian Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Celebration at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on May 22, 2025. “As Chancellor of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, it is my pleasure to congratulate Ryan Beedie, Jacynthe Côté, Pierre Lassonde and Larry Tanenbaum,” said Jim Leech. “We celebrate these industry titans for their business achievements, philanthropic impact and visionary leadership, and for serving as role models. Larry, Pierre, Jacynthe and Ryan inspire us!” The Canadian Business Hall of Fame was established in 1979 to recognize business leaders for their contributions to the economic development and prosperity of Canada. Each year, nominees are reviewed and chosen by an independent selection committee convened by Korn Ferry, the official CBHF Selection Partner. The annual CBHF Induction Ceremony and Celebration is the signature fundraising event for Junior Achievement of Canada (JA Canada). Proceeds support JA Canada’s mission to develop and deliver financial health, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs that equipping youth with the skills and mindset for success. “At Junior Achievement Canada, we are thankful to the Companions of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame who serve as role models to the next generation of ambitious young Canadian entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders” said Scott Hillier, CEO JA Canada. “Our 2025 Inductees join an exceptional group of individuals who have made a significant impact on Canadian economy.” JA welcomes members of the business community and leaders from across the country to the CBHF Induction Ceremony and Celebration event in May. Sponsorship, tickets and the opportunity to donate in honour of the Inductees are now available. For more information regarding sponsorship and participation opportunities, please visit www.cbhf.ca or contact [email protected]. About The Canadian Business Hall of Fame (CBHF) The Canadian Business Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding achievements of Canada’s most distinguished business leaders. Since 1979, more than 200 business leaders have been inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. Celebrating the leaders of today and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow, the CBHF Induction Ceremony and Celebration is the signature national fundraising event in support of JA Canada. For more information, please visit www.cbhf.ca. View Full Press Release Love0 Share Share Share Pin