Junior Achievement of Canada Welcomes the 2012 Companions into The Canadian Business Hall of Fame

Mr. Beddoe, Dr. Keevil, M. Lessard, Mr. T. Louie and Mr. B. Louie to honoured at Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremonies

TORONTO, May 8, 2012 /CNW/ - In recognition of their vision, professional achievements and contributions to the Canadian economy, five accomplished Canadian business leaders will be inducted as Order of the Business Hall of Fame Companions by Chancellor Tom O'Neill and 1300 senior executives and business leaders during the 34^th annual Gala Dinner Induction Ceremony, which will be held tonight at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

This year's inductees include:

• Mr. Clive Beddoe
  Founder & Chairman of the Board of Directors, WestJet Airlines
• Dr. Norman B. Keevil
  Chairman, Teck Resources Ltd.
• Mr. Pierre H. Lessard
  Executive Chairman of the Board, Metro Inc.
• Mr. Tong Louie (posthumously) O.C., O.B.C.
  Former President, H.Y. Louie Ltd.
• Mr. Brandt C. Louie, O.B.C.
  President & CEO, H.Y. Louie Ltd. and Chairman, London Drugs Ltd.

"On behalf of the Selection Committee and the Canadian business community, it is my honour to welcome these individuals into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, where they join an elite community of past and present business visionaries," says Mr. O'Neill, Chairman of the Board, Bell Canada and Chancellor, Order of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. "Their drive, skill and sense of service, and the role they play in the development and prosperity of Canada, have truly set them apart."

The Canadian Business Hall of Fame was established by Junior Achievement of Canada in 1979. Recognition as an Order of the Business Hall of Fame Companion is the highest honour in Canadian business. Companions are nominated by their peers and are chosen by an independent selection committee representing Canada's foremost business, academic and media institutions.

"By celebrating the achievement of today's business leaders, we are helping to prepare youth for their role in tomorrow's business world," says Mr. Stephen Ashworth, President and CEO (Acting), Junior Achievement of Canada. "The five Inductees to the Order of the Business Hall of Fame exemplify what is possible with dedication, passion and hard work.  As Companions, they become mentors and role models for Junior Achievement youth across Canada."

Proceeds from the gala help Junior Achievement make a substantial, positive annual impact on Canada's economy by instilling financial literacy and encouraging entrepreneurial aspirations among young Canadians. Each year, over 216,000 students experience Junior Achievement programs, free of charge, thanks to the generous contributions of businesses and individuals.

About The Canadian Business Hall of Fame
Established by Junior Achievement of Canada in 1979, the Canadian Business Hall of Fame celebrates the outstanding achievements of Canada's most distinguished business leaders, past and present. Over 150 Order of the Business Hall of Fame Companions serve as inspiring examples for all young Canadians and are featured in a rotating display in the Allen Lambert Galleria located at Brookfield Place in Toronto, Ontario.  For information regarding Canada's premier business event, please visit www.cbhof.ca.

About Junior Achievement of Canada
For over 50 years, Junior Achievement learning experiences have helped young Canadians discover financial literacy, entrepreneurial and work readiness skills so they can achieve their highest potential as citizens of our global community. Across Canada, Junior Achievement reaches over 216,000 students annually with 13,029 dedicated business mentors in over 400 communities delivering a suite of eight national programs. Since 1955, almost 3.9 million Canadian youth have participated in Junior Achievement business learning experiences free of charge. For more information, please visit www.jacan.org.

Kristina Fixter, Junior Achievement of Canada
P: 416-622-4602, ext. 229
E: [email protected]

Victoria Ollers
P: 416-822-2288
E: [email protected]

Paul Tyler
P: 416-254-0698
E: [email protected]