JA PEI announces Hon. Marci Ien as host of the 27th Annual PEI Business Hall of Fame Gala
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 info@japei.org 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 Coordinator
JA Prince Edward Island
P: 902-892-6066 | E-mail: bmacintosh@japei.org
About JA Prince Edward Island
Junior 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.
