News
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.
JA PEI announces laureates to be inducted at 27th Annual PEI Business Hall of Fame Gala
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.
- Harvey Stewart
- Kathy Hambly
- Robert K. Irving
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 info@japei.org 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 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.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 9, 2025
Junior Achievement PEI receives Scotiabank gift to help build financial literacy skills among Island youth
Charlottetown, PEI – Junior Achievement Prince Edward Island (JA PEI) is proud to announce a generous gift of $75,000 from Scotiabank to promote a shared commitment to building financial literacy skills and economic resiliency among Island youth.
Scotiabank’s support is provided through its ScotiaRISE community investment initiative, which aims to help individuals and communities thrive. Scotiabank employees selected JA PEI to receive this ScotiaRISE donation, supporting efforts to build economic resilience by helping people adapt to change, overcome barriers, and fully participate in the economy.
JA PEI expressed gratitude to the team at Scotiabank for this record-high one-time donation. JA PEI will use this donation to expand the reach of their programs, providing youth with the essential skills they need to define personal success, prepare for the workforce, ensure strong money management, and pursue their dreams. It is the aim of JA PEI to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
“It is an honor to be recognized by Scotiabank employees for this donation,” said JA PEI President & CEO, Sheryl MacAulay. “We always enjoy working with the team at Scotiabank. They are dedicated JA volunteers who use their expertise to help deliver our programs. We are excited to continue to work with them in this new capacity and are grateful for their continued support.”
“Through ScotiaRISE, we recognize the importance of education and training in helping open doors to a brighter future,” said Stephen Van Wart, District Vice President, East New Brunswick and PEI, Scotiabank. “Through ScotiaRISE and with the support of Scotiabank employees across Atlantic Canada, our partnership with Junior Achievement PEI is helping equip individuals with the financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial skills they need to reach their full potential.”
To learn more about JA PEI and how you can donate, visit japei.org.
To learn more about ScotiaRISE, visit https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/responsibility-impact/scotiarise.html
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Photo Details: Pictured (left to right): Chelsea Neill - Branch Manager, Scotiabank; Sheryl MacAulay - President & CEO, JA PEI; Stephen Van Wart - District Vice President, Scotiabank
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 nearly 7000 hands-on and immersive learning experiences to students in grades 3-12. JA PEI’s mission is to inspire and prepare students to succeed in a global economy.
About ScotiaRISE
ScotiaRISE is Scotiabank's $500 million community investment initiative designed to help people in three focus areas: improving high school and post-secondary participation, removing career barriers, and supporting newcomer economic inclusion. ScotiaRISE also invests in programs that address reclamation of Indigenous language and culture as well as urgent and basic needs, such as improving access to basic supports like food and water, shelter and medical care. Since its launch in 2021, ScotiaRISE has invested over $150 million and partnered with over 300 organizations worldwide to provide the tools people need to reach their full potential.
For Further Information Contact:
Sheryl MacAulay, President & CEO | W: 902.892.6066 | C: 902.940.6802 | smacaulay@japei.org
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.
